New Transformation . . .
This past year has been a huge transformation for me both personally and professionally. This time last year, I was starting year 3 at a charter school outside of Northeast Philadelphia. I had spent the two years prior at their K-8 school and moved up to their new school which was grades 7-12. Brand new library, huge budget to fill the shelves, beautiful new school, and only 7 minutes from my home. Sounds like heaven . . . right? I thought so too, but I was miserable by October, and found a new position by November. The new position was in New Jersey and over an hour away. New Jersey also requires that all new teachers live in New Jersey, so I was looking at moving within a years time.So why did I leave? What was the problem?
The problem at the charter school was not the teachers or students. I had a great rapport with all of them. The library was very nice, although it was unfortunate the CEO never valued my opinion enough to work together on a plan for the new space. The main problem, however was the administration. They did not value my position, nor did they welcome my opinion on anything. Everything was micromanaged, so new ideas I had were always shot down. The thing that bothered me the most was the fact that I wanted to start a Makerspace, and the administration wanted no part in that. They seemed to still have an old-fashioned view of the library (students should be silent, reading or studying) I guess I would have to say I left because the administration and I had two different views of the library, and I realized it was not going to change, nor was it going to get any better.
Moving On . . .
I accepted a position with Shamong Township School District at their Middle School (Indian Mills Memorial School) in Shamong, New Jersey in November 2016, and began working for them in December. It has been a fabulous experience, and I can't imagine working anywhere else. I have a fabulous schedule, a wonderful student and teacher population, but most of all an excellent administration. My principal, Timothy Carroll is a fantastic leader. He is excited about changes I can make in the library and welcomes new ideas I have for our school and library. Our superintendent, Dr. Christine Vespe is just as supportive. It has made a huge difference what I am able to achieve as the school's library media specialist.
So What's Next . . .
I am happy to say that I moved to New Jersey over the summer, and am thrilled to be returning to Shamong.
Our Education Foundation approved a grant for the school library, to begin a makerspace. We will be adding a 3D Printer, 10 IPads, 5 Sphero Sparks, 5 Dash and Dot robots, K'nex sets, Lego sets, Little Bits sets, Snap Circuits sets, and 3 Raspberry Pis. This is a dream come true, and I am so thrilled I can bring this to the students and staff at this school.
This year I also hope to work with even more of the teachers than I had the opportunity to work with last year. We have expanded our electronic collection, and I am hopeful our new collection will provide more opportunities for collaboration.
My Advice . . .
If you are in a situation that is far from ideal, I would suggest meeting with your administration. Let your needs and wants be heard. Understand that you may not get everything you want, but perhaps there is a way you can meet in the middle. Whenever you have a chance promote and communicate what you are doing in the library. Remember, most principals and superintendents have come from the classroom and not the library. They may not know exactly what you are doing, unless you tell them. This can come in the form of a brief email, a monthly newsletter, creating a library social media site, presenting on your school library at conferences, or simply meeting with your principal. There does sometimes come a time when you must agree to disagree or move on. I knew I wanted something better than the situation I was in last year, and I am so delighted that I moved on to Shamong.
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