[CPSLibraries] Library openings

[Bailey, Annie W]

Hello,
I came into the library 11 years ago from the classroom. I was asked to be 1/2 librarian and 1/2 Reading teacher while I took classes at Chicago State.
I  signed a waiver agreeing to complete endorsement within 2 years. It was overwhelming. The full time librarian and I worked together until she retired 4 years ago. I had a relatively easy prep schedule but had to do all of the technology related task because the other librarian was not able to, teach, grade, etc.,and we saw every child from pre k-8th.
When she left I had a different librarian each year. The 1/ time position was closed last year and this is my first year as one. I give grades, collaborate with the Striving Reader teachers, teach library skills, read to the children, check in and out, shelve, order, process for circulation, attend Striving Reader workshops and prepare a monthly bulletin board in the hallway and work after school in the library with the Junior Librarians 4 days a week from Oct.-Mar. (An After School All Stars Grant)
Behavior is an issue but having taught for 31 years, I have my strategies for handling those issues when they arise.
Yes we are overworked and under appreciated. I do not see any changes in sight. 
Some librarians have convinced their principals to buy into a flex schedule. It's not possible at my school.
Having said all of this, I love my job , am VERY tired at the end of the day and have some days when I wonder about what I am doing. But I wouldn't leave it, not yet.
I can be very rewarding.
I hope that I have encouraged someone.
Annie

________________________________

From: cpslibraries-bounces at grenache.lib.uchicago.edu on behalf of Robinson, Cheryl A
Sent: Tue 5/15/2007 7:55 PM
To: Chicago Public Schools Librarians; Chicago Public Schools Librarians; Chicago Public Schools Librarians
Subject: Re: [CPSLibraries] Library openings


Hi Librarians,  there is a high turnover rate for librarians, especially in elementary schools.  I believe this is a result of the huge amount of work required.  My Library provides a prep time for classroom teachers.  I have to provide a library grade for all students K-8 as well as shelve and catalog books.  Student behavior is also a issue because the previous librarian never maintained order.  In fact she quite in the middle of the school year.  I took this position in January and it has been a challenge.
 
Cheryl

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From: cpslibraries-bounces at grenache.lib.uchicago.edu on behalf of Schaller, Rebecca A
Sent: Tue 5/15/2007 7:54 AM
To: Chicago Public Schools Librarians; Chicago Public Schools Librarians
Subject: Re: [CPSLibraries] Library openings



Could be.  I remember when I was calling the list of openings last summer, many of those I called had no idea why their school was listed.   I never called to report this so the schools would be taken off the list.  I found this very discouraging.   As I also  remember, once we got a job, we were asked to report it so they could keep the list updated.   The position I accepted hadn't been listed, so there was no need for me to do this. But in the excitement of accepting a new job, I would imagine that many people forget to do this.

I'm also wondering if there is a greater than average turnover rate among first year librarians as compared to first year classroom teachers.   My position has had about 6 people in it during the past 8 years. Does anybody have any information about this?

Becky Schaller


-----Orignal Message-----
From: cpslibraries-bounces at grenache.lib.uchicago.edu on behalf of Leo-bain, Shanalin
Sent: Mon 5/14/2007 9:03 AM
To: Chicago Public Schools Librarians
Subject: RE: [CPSLibraries] Library openings

I agree. In fact, I see one school that posted an opening where there was none...and has posted the SAME opening.  I happen to know the librarian there has no intention of leaving and is tenured.

Maybe a glitch in the system?


-----Original Message-----
From: cpslibraries-bounces at grenache.lib.uchicago.edu on behalf of Schaller, Rebecca A
Sent: Sun 5/13/2007 10:23 PM
To: cpslibraries at grenache.lib.uchicago.edu
Subject: [CPSLibraries] Library openings

I was one of  the probationary teachers who received a letter saying my contract was not going to be renewed.  When I looked at the list of openings for elementary librarians, the openings looked rather similar to the ones posted last summer.  In other words, it appears to me that many of the schools that had openings last summer also have openings this summer.  I say this based on nothing more than my memory.   Would anyone be willing to say whether or not they have a similar impression?
Becky Schaller




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