I'm Growing Up

I learned something about myself this week (and about GOOD librarians). I can appreciate why someone else was honored with "the prize" without becoming morose about not winning myself. I had the best time at the awards reception for the TCEA honorees. I visited with the two other librarian finalists and was amazed at what they do and was thrilled with their friendliness and warmth. I almost found myself rooting for one of them to win. While I can say that I "really did want to win" I was thrilled for the person who did, the librarian from Celeste ISD. I feared that I would be all down about not winning. I wasn't. I am finally growing up.

I returned from TCEA with a couple of grant ideas and a couple of new plans for programming for the middle school library. I also returned with an appreciation of what other librarians do and an appreciation for all I have (though at times I think I am woefully lacking). I also returned with much more humility than I had when I left. For that I am thankful.

My patrons, the students, teachers, parents, administrators, and other librarians, will be the beneficiaries. There is so much more to do in my little corner of the district and I am anxious to get started. Tomorrow will be a good day.

Debbie

What Really Matters

I've been pondering lately. After all, this is an election season and we've been inundated with McCain, Hillary, Obama, and CHANGE. Do we need more money? No. Do we need another program? No. What do we need in education? Frankly, I believe with all my heart we need a fundamental shift in the way we teach. Why are we continuing to teach in ways that get the same poor results? Why aren't we sharing with students and having students explore and learn and create using the new technologies?

I heard a colleague say the other day, "Every year I have to teach the teachers how to use the same technology all over again." Hmmmmmm, could it be that the way we've been teaching isn't working? I hear of teachers who fail to turn in equipment or books or required forms or lesson plans, etc. etc. Would those teachers ever accept such mediocrity from their students? What lessons are we teaching when we fail to adapt ourselves?

I am very interested in creating a collaborative environment for students from multiple campuses. As I've begun to have the students respond to blogs and utilize the wiki I realize that their writing skills need work. However, the students seem more willing to participate in an electronic environment. Because they will need to utilize such an environment in their work efforts it behooves us, as educators, to teach them how to use one in the classroom.

Of course, the bazillion dollar question is, "How do we best do that?"

Continuing to ponder,

Debbie

Musings from TCEA

I'm at the conference, enjoying myself. I want to congratulate the librarian from Celeste ISD for her selection as librarian of the year. While I am honored to have been nominated and selected as a finalist when I heard all she does as the sole librarian of her small district I was overwhelmed. I just think I do a lot.

I am very excited that my friend Ann got to come with me. She attended a Web 2.0 workshop and now wants to rework our technology rotation. All it takes is a little knowledge and a willingness to step out into the unknown.

I have been hunting things for the different departments on campus. I found something which might be of value for science, dabbled at a writing exhibit or two, and looked for technology to enhance the teaching in the library.

And then I spotted the shirt. My geek son would love it, "If you can't handle "strike any key," turn off the computer."

Now to study the program to determine what to attend tomorrow. So much to learn, so little time....

Debbie

Black History Month

Today my principal approached me with a request. I just love it when that happens. He wants to include snippets of writings by black authors for the announcements in February.

I've been making a list. I want to include a variety of writings, biography, poetry, short story, fiction. Now to choose the authors and write the announcements. I have students pulling titles from the shelves. I am wondering.... Which genre will be most heavily represented by the black authors.

This could be interesting.

Debbie