I’m a K-5 media specialist traveling between 2 schools. I alternate weeks and teach on a fixed schedule so by the end of 10 school days I’ve seen all 700 K-5 students. Teachers are required to stay as admin wants this to be collaborative and they already have prep periods so this is an extra. This model is great for ensuring each student is getting Library instruction, but am looking to collaborate more and with my schedule it’s just not happening. I end up doing a lot of “stand alone” lessons because I know I won’t see the class I’m with for another 2 weeks and because teachers are swamped so finding time to collaborate is difficult. I’m afraid instead of seeing me as an enhancement to things they are already doing, I’m going to be “one more thing” on their plates that they can’t fit in. Right now we are not team teaching so the current model needs a fresh look.
I’d really love to have more flex time and see a class 5 days straight and actually get into depth in a lesson rather than hurrying because we only have 45 minutes and have to squeeze in book check out! Problem is, if we went all flex, we know some teachers would choose not to utilize the library in this collaborative way and Library exposure would no longer be equitable. My admin is very open to creative ideas and really wants this to work, so if anyone K-5 is in a similar situation, or could share how you schedule classes, that would be helpful information. For example, are you fixed K-2 and flex 3-5? Do teachers stay with you? Do you push into classrooms? Do you do centers or maker space type activities rather than whole class instruction? I have little pull out book club/research groups I have are most meaningful, but right now only challenge kids and I don’t want to miss out on the others.
FYI, I do have a secretary in each library (almost full time) who can run book check out if I pushed in or booked a computer lab. I do not have a computer lab attached to my space in either library and we are working on getting more iPads so I’m not scrambling. No Smartboard in either space either but that’s on the way this year. Lots of ideas but need help with the planning piece.
Any feedback would be so helpful. Thank you!
Torrie Phillips
K-5 Library Media Specialist
Coventry Public Schools