Let's get to know each other!

[Tiffany Whitehead]

This Ning is such a great resource, and I think if we could get more activity on here, it would be even better! How about a get to know you poll?

 

1. How long have you been a TL?

2. What did you do before being a TL?

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?

4. What age group do you work with?

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?

7. Do you have a blog?

[Tiffany Whitehead]

1. How long have you been a TL?
This is my second year in the library.

2. What did you do before being a TL?
I briefly taught middle school ELA

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?
I'm 25 - I was 23 when I was hired to be the librarian at my school. I am one of the youngest people on staff in a position that typically goes to someone much further along in their career. I think some teachers are more hesitant to use me as a resource because they don't think I have the experience. BUT those who come to me for help continue to do so after that first time!

4. What age group do you work with?
I work in a 2nd and 3rd grade school with about 530 students.

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?
I think that I have made the library a much more welcoming environment - I've done this through collection development, arrangement of resources, and creating distinct work areas.

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?
Time!!! There's so much to do and so little time...I'm still working to find that balance (does one exist?!)

7. Do you have a blog?
http://libraryramblings.wordpress.com

[Jessica Hinman]

1. How long have you been a TL?

I'm actually starting classes next month as an MLS student at IUPUI working toward my media certification (and teacher's license!).

2. What did you do before being a TL?

I got my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineer, and I've been working for Civil Engineering firms for the last several years. I've finally decided to pursue my passions for reading, technology, and most importantly, kids!

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?

I'm 25, and I'm not sure how my age will be perceived in the scholastic world, in the engineering world I think people just assume I don't know much and explain everything. This is great sometimes because there's a lot I really don't know, but frustrating when 40 year old men think they know more about computers than I do... I was raised on technology!

4. What age group do you work with?

I'm hoping I'll be able to work at the Elementary school level, I've always enjoyed working with young kids, and you can't beat their enthusiasm!

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?

Finally making the decision to pursue my passion and become a teacher librarian!!! (And getting into grad school, that was pretty great, too.)

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?

I'm not sure yet, but I think my greatest struggle is going to be quitting my job and going back to being a poor college student. I'm also worried about finding a position during grad school so I can gain experience in the field before I start looking for a full-time position.

7. Do you have a blog?

Not really, I've started some blogs to talk about hobbies and interests of mine (interior design and soapmaking - since we're trying to learn about each other) but they never really went anywhere. I plan on starting one when I start classes, though.

[Lisa Seaberg]

1. How long have you been a TL?

This is my 2nd year.

2. What did you do before being a TL?

I was a K and 1st grade teacher and a reading teacher in an Elementary School. I also took a two years off after having both of my children.

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?

Okay...I am 35. I think I am young (especially compared to others in the profession) but maybe I am too old for this group. ;o) If I am, let me know and I will unsubscribe. When I go to TL meetings in my district I am one of the youngest.

 

4. What age group do you work with? Elementary K-6

 

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?

Collaboration!!! My school really works well with their teammates but they never co-taught and collaborated beyond that before I came. I love being a resource to teachers! My instructional coach says that I am a breath of fresh air for the teachers!

 

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?

Shrinking budgets! I wish I had all the money in the world to update my library for my staff and students!

 

7. Do you have a blog? Not yet....no time!

[Carrie McDougle]

1. How long have you been a TL?

First year

 

2. What did you do before being a TL?

Itinerant highly capable specialist

 

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?

28

I think that they felt like I couldn't handle the stress that is involved with the job and still keep a good attitude.

 

4. What age group do you work with?

k-5

 

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?

Building relationships with the staff and students.

 

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?

Time management. I struggle estimating how much time a job will take due to the fact I have never done it before. I am learning on the fly when something doesn't work and make mental note of how I will do it differently next time. My hope is that I will start DOCUMENTING these thoughts!

 

7. Do you have a blog?

http://mcdouglec.blogspot.com/

[Leah Griffin]

Hi, Carrie! Good to see you on the Ning. It was nice to meet you at WLMA.

[Leah Griffin]

1. How long have you been a TL?

2 months

2. What did you do before being a TL?

High School English teacher

3. We are the "New/YoungTLs" - how old are you? Do you think your age effects others perception of you and the job that you do?

I'm 26, the youngest person on my faculty. I think it helps and hurts. Many digital skills are second nature to me, which is good, but I worry that teachers won't want me to help them because of my age.

4. What age group do you work with?

Middle and high school

5. What is your best/favorite accomplishment since becoming a TL?

I showed a student the EasyBib app, and he ran around the library showing students and teachers. I've never seen a student so excited about a bibliography!

6. What is your greatest struggle as a TL?

I don't know yet.

7. Do you have a blog?

Not yet.