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Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twitter. Show all posts
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
2000 Hours
This summer I am starting 2000 hours project. 2000 hours is the brainchild of a teacher named Chuck who is fed up with the popular misconception that teaching is really a part-time job because, after all, we get to leave at 2pm and get the "summer off." To dispel this myth, he decided to log the number of hours he spends working during both during the school day and during his time off. I love this idea. I'm not sure I will continue it for an entire school year, the way Chuck is, but I am definitely ready to commit for summer. For one, I too am becoming grumpy with pundits and politicians who have never set foot in a classroom/school library, but who feel they have the right to comment on what an easy job we have. But also, I'm just interested in finding out how many hours I really do put in during the summer months. (An aside, my husband is always complaining that I'm really a 12 month employee who settles for 10 month pay, so this summer we're going to see if he's right!) Anyway, I'm so geeked out over this project that I created a couple of items to help chronicle my (and maybe your???) journey.
First, I created this badge for my blog. If you're gonna log your hours too and want to plaster a badge on your blog, feel free to use it, change it, share it, etc. (The image is my own - one I took for my 365/Image a Day Project. The text I added using Picnik.)
Second, I created a spreadsheet to track my hours. I used Google Docs to create the sheet and will use it as my "time card" for this project. This way, I can access it if I am away from my home computer but still "working." Plus, this way all the world can keep track of my hours. Perhaps someone will even start a pool and take bets on just how little actual "life" I have. :) Anyway, in addition to figuring out exactly how many hours I will spend working this summer, I'm also looking forward to seeing what type of work I do during the (almost) 2 months I have away from school.
However many hours I actually log, I feel like this is a good exercise for me - both personally and publicly. I can only imagine that being honest and reflective about the amount of time I spending working when I don't really have to will be a good thing. Plus, like the creator of this project, Chuck, I'm anxious to dispel a few myths myself.
So... how did I spend the first day of "summer break?" I updated the library webpage to include a summer reading project and a super cool culminating video for our year end Food for Fines project. Then I sent out a year end letter to parents inviting their students to participate in said summer reading fun and emailed my principal with an update. All told, it took me just shy of 2 hours.
Anyway, if you're planning on clocking a few hours this summer, consider this a personal invitation to join the 2000 Hour Club. In addition to whatever updates I post here, I'll also be tweeting about it using the #2000hour hashtag. So, c'mon! Join me! (You know you want to!)
First, I created this badge for my blog. If you're gonna log your hours too and want to plaster a badge on your blog, feel free to use it, change it, share it, etc. (The image is my own - one I took for my 365/Image a Day Project. The text I added using Picnik.)
Second, I created a spreadsheet to track my hours. I used Google Docs to create the sheet and will use it as my "time card" for this project. This way, I can access it if I am away from my home computer but still "working." Plus, this way all the world can keep track of my hours. Perhaps someone will even start a pool and take bets on just how little actual "life" I have. :) Anyway, in addition to figuring out exactly how many hours I will spend working this summer, I'm also looking forward to seeing what type of work I do during the (almost) 2 months I have away from school.
However many hours I actually log, I feel like this is a good exercise for me - both personally and publicly. I can only imagine that being honest and reflective about the amount of time I spending working when I don't really have to will be a good thing. Plus, like the creator of this project, Chuck, I'm anxious to dispel a few myths myself.
So... how did I spend the first day of "summer break?" I updated the library webpage to include a summer reading project and a super cool culminating video for our year end Food for Fines project. Then I sent out a year end letter to parents inviting their students to participate in said summer reading fun and emailed my principal with an update. All told, it took me just shy of 2 hours.
Anyway, if you're planning on clocking a few hours this summer, consider this a personal invitation to join the 2000 Hour Club. In addition to whatever updates I post here, I'll also be tweeting about it using the #2000hour hashtag. So, c'mon! Join me! (You know you want to!)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Scratching The Resolution Itch
As the sun sets on another year, it's only natural to reflect on what's transpired over the last 12 months and to then look ahead to the 12 on the horizon. Indeed, many of the blogs I read are currently sporting New Year's Resolution posts and it's been inspiring to read what others are reaching for in 2011. It is in that spirit of healthy self refection and in knowing that, as someone "of a certain age," writing things down is always a safe bet, that I too started making a list of professional goals for the coming year.
For me, 2010 has been a year of extreme professional growth. Even though the connections I've made have been almost entirely virtual, I feel more connected to my colleagues than ever before. What's more, these connections keep me constantly striving to do and be more. These days, it seems like not a day goes by when I don't find myself inspired to try something new or to push myself one step further. I love that feeling, but there are things about it that make me nervous too.
Being something of a librarian newbie, (this is only my 5th year in the library, after 10 years in the classroom), sometimes I worry about leaping before really looking - that is to say, diving into to new programs/projects without fully exploring the *why* of it. This is compounded by the fact that, more often than I care to admit, the time I need, post lesson, to truly reflect on student learning is simply not there.(I'm hearing Mr. Schu's Metacognition song in my head even as I type this). If nothing else, I am desperate to be purposeful in my practice. Even if I can't be as formally reflective as I'd like to be, I *can* act with intention.
And so, here I am, with a goal setting itch that needs to be scratched.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaah. That feels better. :)
Happy New Year, everyone!
For me, 2010 has been a year of extreme professional growth. Even though the connections I've made have been almost entirely virtual, I feel more connected to my colleagues than ever before. What's more, these connections keep me constantly striving to do and be more. These days, it seems like not a day goes by when I don't find myself inspired to try something new or to push myself one step further. I love that feeling, but there are things about it that make me nervous too.
Being something of a librarian newbie, (this is only my 5th year in the library, after 10 years in the classroom), sometimes I worry about leaping before really looking - that is to say, diving into to new programs/projects without fully exploring the *why* of it. This is compounded by the fact that, more often than I care to admit, the time I need, post lesson, to truly reflect on student learning is simply not there.(I'm hearing Mr. Schu's Metacognition song in my head even as I type this). If nothing else, I am desperate to be purposeful in my practice. Even if I can't be as formally reflective as I'd like to be, I *can* act with intention.
And so, here I am, with a goal setting itch that needs to be scratched.
| The Goal | The Why |
|---|---|
| 1. Explore/begin using Evernote & Diigo: I know there are plenty of high schools that have integrated both of these tools as a part of their instructional programs, but I'm unaware of middle school examples. That said, I'd like to take the Evernote plunge PERSONALLY and implement it as a cloud replacement for MS OneNote (which has, sadly, gone from life changing to increasingly clunky as of late) but also as a research tool for my students. | I feel that one of my strengths as a librarian is teaching students how to locate and evaluate resources - particularly those online. However, I also know that I am weaker at showing them how to stitch all of of the information they find together together into a useful, ever evolving tapestry of resources. I believe (hope!) a tools like Evernote & Diigo might help me help my students collect and organize information. This has been on my radar for awhile, but 2011 feels like the year to do it! |
| 2. Increase visibility/validity of library Facebook Page: I've already taken the plunge and created a facebook page for our library, but in 2011 I'd like to see the followers increase to 450 (half our students population) and I'm committed to updating the page at least once per week. | I'll admit the why of this goal is partly selfish. I believe strongly that this kind of promotion and branding of our library will be an essential part of our survival as we head into budget talks this year. However, I'm also committed to connecting with students in the digital world where they already live and to proving that social media can be a force for good in education. |
| 3. Complete 365 Photo-A-Day Project: As a part of our library's FB page, I'd like to start a photo a day project (Diane Cordell Style) to include as part of the FB feed. Some of the photos may be personal, but I'm planning to make those taken on "school days" in particular related to the library so that they can become a feed for students to access. | There are so many opportunities for me to enhance the connections I make with students via digital images. As I'm planning to have students both access and contribute to the feed, I'm hopeful that this project will provide another avenue for students to feel connected to the library, its resources and to me. |
| 4. Explore/Implement QR Code program: Truly, I need a whole other blog post to talk about how excited I am about QR Codes, (thank you, Gwyneth Jones and Steven Anderson - and thank you Ryan Redd for showing me the way) but I plan to integrate them into NUMEROUS collaborative projects *and* as a means of transforming my library into a creation station - (more on this later). | Following Joyce Valenza's assertion that the library is a place to learn and create, I believe QR Codes will provide my students with a creative, innovative means of sharing their digital, "library-made," creations. I can't wait! |
| 5. Continue to grow Nook program, explore other options for student use, grow Nook wiki: Project Nook will continue in 2011. As they cannot be checked out in my district, my work will be focused on their continued integration into content area instruction. Further, I want to grow the Nook wiki to include student and teacher reflection videos. | I believe our Nooks provide the perfect opportunity for students to engage in open choice reading. Following Donalyn Miller's example in The Book Whisperer, it's my goal to both encourage and actively collaborate in literature projects that afford students the opportunity to choose what they read. Frankly, this will require a shift in thinking for some of our teachers, but I'm ready to "direct the Rider, motivate the Elephant, and shape the Path" in order to make this a reality. |
| 6. Continue to grow "You Might be a 21st Century Librarian in NHCS" wiki: I have the specific goal of increasing participation in my district's "You Might Be A 21st Century Librarian" wiki to 80% by the end of the school year. I will also add pages for links to artifacts (with a nod to Kathy Kaldenberg for the idea!) | Like many districts around the country, ours is facing even deeper cuts into budget and personnel next year, I believe our wiki will provide us with a means of focusing our instructional efforts and provide documentation of our "value added" for shareholders. Plus, I love reading about what others are doing and implementing some of those same ideas with my own students. |
| 7. Continue to grow/promote Gators Read Everywhere Project: I have the specific goal of increasing participation in my Gator's Read Everywhere Project to 250 students with at least 10 classes having used instructionally - by the end of the school year. | I love this project and want so much to see it grow in 2011. I started the map because I truly believe that the Gators Read map is the perfect marriage of 21st century skills, reading promotion and connecting the library to the learning that goes on in every class.I feel there's so much potential in this project, I just need to stoke the fires a bit. |
| 8. Help Develop and grow a long distance Collaborative Book Club: I wish to implement a collaborative book club with at least one other librarian and his/her students in 2011. | I have learned so much by connecting with others from around the world, I can only believe that the same would be true for my students. Plus, collaborating with other libraries from around the country/world would provide my students with another opportunity to use tools like wikis, blogs and skype as a part of the book club process. |
| 9. Maintain and update Library Girl blog with more frequency: I have the specific goal of updating this blog once per week. | This blog provides me with a platform for reflection. It's a place when I can think about my own learning (queue Mr. Schu again). I believe this makes me better at what I do. At least, I hope so. :) |
| 10. Write monthly "Professionally Reading" column: I have the specific goal of contributing one review, of a professional resource, to our district's employee newsletter - our district PR officer has named this column "Professionally Reading w/Jennifer LaGarde" | I often joke that I never read books for anyone over 4ft tall. This project gives me an excuse to step out of the world of YA fiction and read some of the professional titles that I've been longing to dig into, but that I keep putting off! |
Aaaaaaaaaaaaah. That feels better. :)
Happy New Year, everyone!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Our Nook Adventure Part III
The Good:
First off, I want to say that the vast majority of what we've experienced with our eReaders has been good. Great even. We've yet to have to return a unit or even call for technical support. While our students are, indeed, being careful, the Nooks themselves seem to be hearty little devices capable of withstanding frequent, prolonged use. The battery life has been more than adequate and the screens are easy to read - both inside and out. (Yes, I tested this!)
But what's been *really* exciting is the ways in which our students have been able to interact with texts.
As we've discovered, eReaders are the perfect vehicle for independent reading initiatives. Currently, a 7th grade class at our school is using the Nooks for a unit on "choices." In this instance, the teacher provided the students with a list of titles that fit the theme and students were able to select the titles that most appealed to them - once assigned a Nook, students found that it was customized just for them - containing all the titles that they requested. (Incidentally, the Nook does allow you to "archive" titles that are not in use through your B&N account. Theoretically, you could "hide" titles that were purchased for use in other classes so that students only saw the content you wanted them to.)
I love this use of the Nooks because, let's face it, whatever excitement students may feel as a result of the gadget itself is bound to wear off quickly. Without the element of self-selection, once the cool factor is gone, students are left with nothing more than just a book that someone else is forcing them to read -- and we all know how motivating that is. This student-propelled learning continues as they discover how easy it is for them to annotate texts, access related online materials and build their own document library of related resources. In all my years in public education, I'm not sure I've ever witnessed a more authentic reading experience. What's more, it would have been next to impossible using traditional pen and ink books.
The Bad:
Honestly, the worst part about this experience has been that school purchasing/finance policies are still playing catch-up with the technology. Like most districts, we are not allowed to purchase gift cards with state funds which leaves us with one option: using our school credit card to make eBook purchases - which is fine, except that we have to remove all credit card information from the Nook accounts after each purchase (which isn't a huge obstacle, just time consuming). Another monkey wrench has been that our school system limits the number of credit card purchases that can be made in a month, which can be sticky because B&N bills each individual eBook as a separate transaction - this is something I learned the hard way.
In the end, most of these things are just minor irritants when compared to the learning that is taking place. Further, if I were a betting girl, I'd put my money on the chances of school systems all around the country adjusting their policies to account for these new devices. That said, truly, I'm not complaining. We're making it work. What's more, I believe these processes will continue to become more efficient as time goes on. (However, if others have already found a more efficient way to purchase eBooks for school system devices, I'm eager to hear about them!)
The Unknown:
Currently, we're among those districts whose interpretation of CIPA prevents us from sending our Nooks home. (See Buffy Hamilton's post on CIPA and Kindles in the Unquiet Library). Again, I think we'll see the day when CIPA and other laws are amended to address mobile devices of all stripes - (who knows, there may even be a whole new acronym for us to contend with). In the meantime, however, the question stands: how do we incorporate new publishing and/or mobile, hand-held devices into our library programs while still adhering to laws aimed to protect students accessing the internet at school? I don't know the answer. And I'm not the only one.
Other questions I have relate to the devices themselves and their continued evolution. As eReaders become the gadget du jour, it will be interesting to see if/how the publishing world reacts. Even though we only have the traditional black/white Nooks at our school, the new color version offers some pretty interesting/exciting features including interactive texts (currently only available in children's titles), far more extensive magazine/periodical subscriptions, as well as the inclusion of 3rd party apps. For the moment, the color Nook offers only a smattering of these apps, but a Nook App Marketplace is in the works, which opens these devices up to all sorts of possibilities.
These developments leave me both excited and wary.
While I'm most definitely a "gadget girl," at the end of the day, I'm really more of a "right gadget for the right learning goals girl" -- even though that's not nearly as catchy. For now, the Nook is proving to be the right gadget for the reading goals we've established for our students. I'm anxious to see if the evolution of the eReader will translate to an even greater impact on student learning.
Next up:
Student/teacher reactions to the Nooks. Or, I finally hush up and let some other people talk. :)
Stay tuned!
First off, I want to say that the vast majority of what we've experienced with our eReaders has been good. Great even. We've yet to have to return a unit or even call for technical support. While our students are, indeed, being careful, the Nooks themselves seem to be hearty little devices capable of withstanding frequent, prolonged use. The battery life has been more than adequate and the screens are easy to read - both inside and out. (Yes, I tested this!)
But what's been *really* exciting is the ways in which our students have been able to interact with texts.
Providing students with the opportunity to choose their own books to read empowers and encourages them. It strengthens their self confidence, rewards their interests, and promotes a positive attitude toward reading by valuing the reader and giving him or her a level of control. Readers without power to make their own choices are unmotivated.- Donalyn Miller in The Book Whisperer: Awakening The Inner Reader in Every Child
 | |
| Picture stolen shamelessly from Christy James |
I love this use of the Nooks because, let's face it, whatever excitement students may feel as a result of the gadget itself is bound to wear off quickly. Without the element of self-selection, once the cool factor is gone, students are left with nothing more than just a book that someone else is forcing them to read -- and we all know how motivating that is. This student-propelled learning continues as they discover how easy it is for them to annotate texts, access related online materials and build their own document library of related resources. In all my years in public education, I'm not sure I've ever witnessed a more authentic reading experience. What's more, it would have been next to impossible using traditional pen and ink books.
The Bad:
Honestly, the worst part about this experience has been that school purchasing/finance policies are still playing catch-up with the technology. Like most districts, we are not allowed to purchase gift cards with state funds which leaves us with one option: using our school credit card to make eBook purchases - which is fine, except that we have to remove all credit card information from the Nook accounts after each purchase (which isn't a huge obstacle, just time consuming). Another monkey wrench has been that our school system limits the number of credit card purchases that can be made in a month, which can be sticky because B&N bills each individual eBook as a separate transaction - this is something I learned the hard way.
In the end, most of these things are just minor irritants when compared to the learning that is taking place. Further, if I were a betting girl, I'd put my money on the chances of school systems all around the country adjusting their policies to account for these new devices. That said, truly, I'm not complaining. We're making it work. What's more, I believe these processes will continue to become more efficient as time goes on. (However, if others have already found a more efficient way to purchase eBooks for school system devices, I'm eager to hear about them!)
The Unknown:
Currently, we're among those districts whose interpretation of CIPA prevents us from sending our Nooks home. (See Buffy Hamilton's post on CIPA and Kindles in the Unquiet Library). Again, I think we'll see the day when CIPA and other laws are amended to address mobile devices of all stripes - (who knows, there may even be a whole new acronym for us to contend with). In the meantime, however, the question stands: how do we incorporate new publishing and/or mobile, hand-held devices into our library programs while still adhering to laws aimed to protect students accessing the internet at school? I don't know the answer. And I'm not the only one.
Other questions I have relate to the devices themselves and their continued evolution. As eReaders become the gadget du jour, it will be interesting to see if/how the publishing world reacts. Even though we only have the traditional black/white Nooks at our school, the new color version offers some pretty interesting/exciting features including interactive texts (currently only available in children's titles), far more extensive magazine/periodical subscriptions, as well as the inclusion of 3rd party apps. For the moment, the color Nook offers only a smattering of these apps, but a Nook App Marketplace is in the works, which opens these devices up to all sorts of possibilities.
These developments leave me both excited and wary.
While I'm most definitely a "gadget girl," at the end of the day, I'm really more of a "right gadget for the right learning goals girl" -- even though that's not nearly as catchy. For now, the Nook is proving to be the right gadget for the reading goals we've established for our students. I'm anxious to see if the evolution of the eReader will translate to an even greater impact on student learning.
Next up:
Student/teacher reactions to the Nooks. Or, I finally hush up and let some other people talk. :)
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
EduBlog Awards 2010 Nominations
Best individual blog: Gwyneth Jones: The Daring Librarian
Best individual tweeter: Shannon Miller
Best group blog: Hanging Out In The Library
Best resource sharing blog: iLearn Technology
Most influential blog post: Doug Johnson: Wishful Thinking Won't Save Librarians
Most influential tweet / series of tweets / tweet based discussion: #speakloudly
Best teacher blog: Middle School Matrix
Best librarian / library blog: Buffy Hamilton/The Unquiet Librarian
Best educational wiki: Joyce Valenza Workshop
Best educational webinar series: TL Virtual Cafe
Best educational use of a social network: The Educators PLN
Lifetime achievement: Doug Johnson - Blue Skunk Blog
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Make Your Library Indispensable: Or Why Professional Development is Not A Luxury.
I wrote this article for the North Carolina School Library Media Association's Media Connections Newsletter AFTER being inspired by the folks behind a recent TLCafe Webinar (Shannon Miller and Gwyneth Jones among others) on how to make your school-library indispensable.
Make Your Library Indispensable: Professional Development is Not a Luxury
by Jennifer LaGarde
I'm proud to be a part of this publication and to be a part of our profession.
Like so many libraries recently, mine received no funding this year. Even so, I am grateful.
Despite the fact that, when all the cards were played, I was left holding an empty bag, I
feel fortunate to have at least had a place at the table and a voice in the budgetary process
at our school. And it is for this reason that, in a year when even my personal budget seems
to be hemorrhaging red ink, I have made attending NCSLMA’s annual conference a priority.
In my experience, too often, when money gets tight, one of the first things cut is the
budget for professional development. Believe me, I get it. When the dollars start to dwindle,
it only makes sense to eliminate those line items that don’t represent an immediate
need. And yet, given the tough economic times we find ourselves in, I can’t help but think
that by cutting professional development from the “necessary expense” column that, rather
than trimming the fat, we’re really shooting ourselves in the foot.
As I said, even though my library received no funding this year, I feel fortunate because
at least I had a voice in the discussion that resulted in this decision. But more importantly, I
know that I would never have been included in that discussion had my principal not seen
me as a shareholder in our school’s success and as someone whose knowledge and expertise
was needed to determine how school dollars were to be disseminated this year. This is
a role I cherish, but that I must point out was not handed to me on the first day of school
along with my name badge. Rather, the “place at the table” that I am grateful for now was
earned over the course of several years spent proving, to both my principal and the staff at
my school, that I possess the instructional chops, technological know-how and innovative
practice to help make things happen for our students and our school - none of which I could
claim were it not for continued and meaningful professional development.
Now, more than ever, we find ourselves in a position where we must draw a direct line
between ourselves and student achievement. Now, more than ever, we are charged with
leading the way as our schools, and indeed our state, strive, (and in some cases struggle), to
implement 21st century technologies to support and enhance student learning. Now, more
than ever, every day, every lesson, every conversation must be about proving to the world
that we are indispensable members of the school community.
Which is why now, more than ever, our continued growth as learners and professionals
is not an expense we can afford to cut. NCSLMA’s annual conference offers us all the opportunity
to share with and be inspired by the members of our state’s professional learning
community and extended media family. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time attending,
the contacts, resources and energy you will glean from those few days are, I would respectfully
submit, well worth the price of admission.
So, as we all struggle to make tough choices regarding our libraries and what little monies
we have to provide services to our schools, I hope you will put professional development
back in the “must have” category. Even though, on paper, it may seem as though going to
conference this year is an expense you can afford to cut, it is my strong belief that professional
development is not a luxury. Rather, it is the very thing that, in the end, will help us
save our jobs and our budgets.
Make Your Library Indispensable: Professional Development is Not a Luxury
by Jennifer LaGarde
I'm proud to be a part of this publication and to be a part of our profession.
Like so many libraries recently, mine received no funding this year. Even so, I am grateful.
Despite the fact that, when all the cards were played, I was left holding an empty bag, I
feel fortunate to have at least had a place at the table and a voice in the budgetary process
at our school. And it is for this reason that, in a year when even my personal budget seems
to be hemorrhaging red ink, I have made attending NCSLMA’s annual conference a priority.
In my experience, too often, when money gets tight, one of the first things cut is the
budget for professional development. Believe me, I get it. When the dollars start to dwindle,
it only makes sense to eliminate those line items that don’t represent an immediate
need. And yet, given the tough economic times we find ourselves in, I can’t help but think
that by cutting professional development from the “necessary expense” column that, rather
than trimming the fat, we’re really shooting ourselves in the foot.
As I said, even though my library received no funding this year, I feel fortunate because
at least I had a voice in the discussion that resulted in this decision. But more importantly, I
know that I would never have been included in that discussion had my principal not seen
me as a shareholder in our school’s success and as someone whose knowledge and expertise
was needed to determine how school dollars were to be disseminated this year. This is
a role I cherish, but that I must point out was not handed to me on the first day of school
along with my name badge. Rather, the “place at the table” that I am grateful for now was
earned over the course of several years spent proving, to both my principal and the staff at
my school, that I possess the instructional chops, technological know-how and innovative
practice to help make things happen for our students and our school - none of which I could
claim were it not for continued and meaningful professional development.
Now, more than ever, we find ourselves in a position where we must draw a direct line
between ourselves and student achievement. Now, more than ever, we are charged with
leading the way as our schools, and indeed our state, strive, (and in some cases struggle), to
implement 21st century technologies to support and enhance student learning. Now, more
than ever, every day, every lesson, every conversation must be about proving to the world
that we are indispensable members of the school community.
Which is why now, more than ever, our continued growth as learners and professionals
is not an expense we can afford to cut. NCSLMA’s annual conference offers us all the opportunity
to share with and be inspired by the members of our state’s professional learning
community and extended media family. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time attending,
the contacts, resources and energy you will glean from those few days are, I would respectfully
submit, well worth the price of admission.
So, as we all struggle to make tough choices regarding our libraries and what little monies
we have to provide services to our schools, I hope you will put professional development
back in the “must have” category. Even though, on paper, it may seem as though going to
conference this year is an expense you can afford to cut, it is my strong belief that professional
development is not a luxury. Rather, it is the very thing that, in the end, will help us
save our jobs and our budgets.
Monday, September 13, 2010
A Big Sloppy Love Letter to My PLN
When I was a classroom teacher, I often found myself feeling isolated from the rest of the world. Perhaps it was the era in which I taught (it was definitely a web 1.0 world back then) or maybe I didn't "put myself out there" as far as engaging in more professional learning opportunities. Don't get me wrong, I loved teaching. For the whole of my 10 year stint as an English teacher, I was fortunate to work with great people and great students. And yet, for all the joy I experienced during that time, I don't think I grew very much as a learner or as an educator. Certainly, I can pin point pockets of inspiration or moments in which I stumbled upon people or resources that inspired and challenged me to reflect on my practice and evolve as an educator. But given the length of time I taught, the professional growth I experienced as a teacher truly pales in comparison to how much I've learned and grown during the four years I've worn the hat of librarian.
Indeed, in an era defined by no money, no resources and no hope, I feel as though my professional cup runneth over.
This year, I have started a PLT for librarians in my district - with our goal being to collect data and study literature/research that helps us draw the line between our programs and student achievement. So far, about 10 librarians have officially joined and I'm hopeful more will jump on board. Ultimately, after a year's worth of work, we want to emerge with a compelling argument and formal presentation that will help us save positions and reinstate line-item library budgets in our county.
Even as I type all of that out, I realize that it may seem like a daunting, if not impossible, task. And yet, I have to admit that I feel a bit like the Alfred E. Newman of Librarians, insomuch as, I'm simply not worried. Yes, it's hard and important work, but I've never felt less alone and more empowered as a professional than I do right now. In addition to the group of professionals in my own district who have stepped up to the plate, I feel buoyed by the combined knowledge of the people I follow on Twitter, the Diigo group I've started related to the topic, the members of my state professional organization's listserv and the enumerable blogs that I follow. Whatever gaps in knowledge I may possess, (and let's face it, there are many), I know they are more than filled by the people I choose to hang out with.
Tonight, I had the pleasure of hanging out with nearly 100 really smart people in a TL Cafe Webinar. As is almost always the case with these things, I emerged inspired and, if I'm honest, a little overwhelmed - not by the sheer amount of genius in the room, (frankly, I'm growing used to that), but by how fortunate I am to have access to such brilliant and generous people. Truly, however many notches I am able to put in my own personal victory column, I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who let me sit next to them (either literally or virtually) and soak up their knowledge. I am one lucky girl.
That said, if it's true that the key to appearing smart is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are, then I must look like a genius. And, frankly, I'm okay with that. :)
Indeed, in an era defined by no money, no resources and no hope, I feel as though my professional cup runneth over.
This year, I have started a PLT for librarians in my district - with our goal being to collect data and study literature/research that helps us draw the line between our programs and student achievement. So far, about 10 librarians have officially joined and I'm hopeful more will jump on board. Ultimately, after a year's worth of work, we want to emerge with a compelling argument and formal presentation that will help us save positions and reinstate line-item library budgets in our county.
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| Image: www.dccomics.com/mad/ 9/13/10 |
Tonight, I had the pleasure of hanging out with nearly 100 really smart people in a TL Cafe Webinar. As is almost always the case with these things, I emerged inspired and, if I'm honest, a little overwhelmed - not by the sheer amount of genius in the room, (frankly, I'm growing used to that), but by how fortunate I am to have access to such brilliant and generous people. Truly, however many notches I am able to put in my own personal victory column, I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who let me sit next to them (either literally or virtually) and soak up their knowledge. I am one lucky girl.
That said, if it's true that the key to appearing smart is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are, then I must look like a genius. And, frankly, I'm okay with that. :)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Roaman's New Twitter Design
Roaman's just redesigned its Twitter page. Let us know how you like the new look. Also, Roaman's is committed to bringing the best value in plus size clothing to our customers in every possible way. Feel free to bookmark this blog, or subscribe our blog feed for the latest in plus size fashion news and promos. We'll be announcing sales and promo alerts via Twitter as well. You will have three options (email, blog/RSS and Twitter) to stay in sync with your favorite plus size catalog.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Roaman's is now on Twitter!
Come follow Roaman's on Twitter, just click here! Now, you can get Roaman's updates at all times! Be the first to know about sales, promotions, new arrivals, plus size fashion tips and great deals!
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