Tag Archives: School Media Specialist

Michigan State Board of Education supports school libraries

More fall leaves...I am pleased to report that the Michigan State Board of Education passed a resolution at its October 14, 2014 board meeting in support of school libraries. What I really like is the focus of the resolution, which reaches far beyond the dated stereotype of a school library. Indeed, the resolution specifically cites  certified school librarians as an important way to achieve 21st century learning and teaching goals, then elaborates about how they do so! Although there is no money tied to the resolution, it is believed to be a good step forward in advocating for strong media programs, and the educational civil rights of students.

The Resolution is short, to the point, worthy of a quick read.

But wait….there is more!

What is also interesting to me, is that the Library of Michigan, an office of the Michigan Department of Education, has developed benchmarks for school libraries. These benchmarks allow a school administrator and school librarian (working together)  to evaluate the school library program across the areas of :

  • Building the Learning Environment
  • Teaching for 21st Century Learning
  • Leading the Way to 21st Century Learning

What a breath of fresh air! Administrators can better visualize what is possible in a school library program if they have specific benchmarks to consider! And by working through the benchmarks together, there is an opportunity for much needed conversation too. Do you think a resolution or benchmarks could help with Minnesota school library staffing issues?

School Library 21 (SL21): Measurement Benchmarks for Michigan School Libraries for 21st Century Schools

Update 2/3/2015: Oregon adopts School Library Standards

Please send questions, comments or ideas to me, Patricia Post, Director of CMLE, one of the seven MN multitype library systems, at papost@cmle.org

 

 

We've Learned: Three Job Postings

We’ve Learned… is designed to keep our readers informed about news concerning personnel in Central MN libraries/media centers. Please keep CMLE informed of any “happenings” regarding staff members in your area so that we can include them in the next write-up! Happenings can include: changes in staffing, job postings, awards, honors, accomplishments… you get the idea!

ECRLVacancies- Branch Librarians- ECRL

East Central Regional Library has two vacancies for the position of Branch Librarian II. Each position oversees the operation of a community branch library.  ECRL is a consolidated regional library system with 14 branches.  A Bachelor’s Degree, up to date technology skills and three years related experience is required.  MLS/MLIS or similar library certification is preferred.  Candidates must have demonstrated creativity and vision to provide modern public library service; above average communication skills; excellent customer service skills; and the ability and willingness to lead a library team of staff and volunteers.  Starting salary is $15.07 per hour.  Review of applications begins April 11, 2014 and continues until filled.  Submit ECRL application to:  Barbara Misselt, Director, East Central Regional Library, 244 S. Birch St, Cambridge MN 55008. Application information and form is on the website at: http://www.ecrlib.org/jobs.html

Current vacancies are at the Chisago Lakes Area Library (Chisago City, MN) and Giese Memorial Library (Wyoming, MN)

Chisago Lakes Area Library is located in Chisago City,MN just 35 miles north of St. Paul along Highway 8. In 2013, the library saw 50,511visitors (2nd in the region) and circulated 76,216 physical items (3rd in the region). The Branch Librarian supervises 4 part-time staff that work a combined 35hrs/week.The Chisago Lakes Area Library was built in 2006 and receives excellent community support through an active Friends of the Library group. The library has a very active children’s program including story times and summer reading.The library is open 42 hours per week (Mon-Sat). This vacancy is due to an internal promotion.

The Giese Memorial Library is located in Wyoming, MN just 30 miles north of St. Paul on Highway 35. In 2013, the library saw 23,790visitors (8th in the region) and circulated 43,904 physical items (8th in the region). The Branch Librarian supervises 3 part-time staff that work a combined 34hrs/week. The Giese Memorial Library was built in 2006 and receives excellent community support from its foundation, the Wyoming Area Library Society, and Friends of the Library group.The library is open 40 hours per week (Tues-Sun). This vacancy is due to a retirement.

Application information and form is on the website at: http://www.ecrlib.org/jobs.html


High School Library/Media Position Open in Willmar for 2014-2015

FYI – There is a high school media specialist/integrationist opening for 2014-2015 at Willmar Senior High School in Willmar, MN.  WHS is a 9-12 high school of about 1,200 students.  This is the first year of a 1:1 iPad initiative so it is a great opportunity for an integrationist to help staff use iPads in their classroom.  We teach and use the ELM databases for research.  There is a strong Somali & Hispanic student population in school and in town.  The principal is outstanding and supportive of this position.  Willmar is a town of 19,500 residents located 100 miles west of the metro on highway 12.  Lots of lakes, Ridgewater College & a regional medical facility.

View the high school eLibrary page here: http://www.willmar.k12.mn.us/Page/1071

If you are interested in applying go here: http://www.applitrack.com/willmar/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=High+School+Teaching

Contact me for more info:  Joel Brenckman, Online Research

Willmar High School, Willmar, MN

320-231-8341 or brenckmanj@willmar.k12.mn.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

What should an Administrator expect a School Library Media Specialist to be?

Image by Celestine Chua. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons' licensing.
Image by Celestine Chua. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

In this fast changing world, do you sometimes look for something to help ground you, to fully realize the importance of your role in your school or district? School media specialist extraordinaire Joyce Valenza recently tweeted a really excellent one page handout about what it means to be a School Media Specialist. The document is free to share and spread better understanding about your role in your setting too! Credit for content goes to Carl A. Harvey II , who is the library media specialist at North Elementary School in Noblesville, Indiana. See the pretty version of this doc at http://tinyurl.com/8a82cbr

We've Learned: Job Posting

Job Posting for Chisago Lakes Area Schools

CLOSING DATE: February 21, 2014

The following position is  available: Library Media Specialist
Location: District Wide
Licensure needed:  K-12 Media Specialist License
Position starting the 2014-2015 School Year
Full Time  

Note:  If interested; Internal candidates, please send your letter of interest and resume. External candidates, please also submit your certified application, a copy of your teaching license and three reference letters to Sarah Schmidt, Director of Curriculum/Communications.

If you have questions, please contact Sarah Schmidt, 651-213-2005 or sschmidt@chisagolakes.k12.mn.us .

Additional Information

Thanks so much,
Mark

Mark F. Johnson

Technology Integration Specialist

Chisago Lakes Area Schools

mjohnson@chisagolakes.k12.mn.us

651.213.2424 (office)

651.796.8669 (cell)

Results of Blue Skunk PLN Survey

TwitterWords. mrsdkrebs
Image by Mrsdlrebs. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing.

In a recent post, you may have noticed that Doug Johnson’s Blue Skunk blog was named in the top 50 list of school library blogs. Doug used that platform to his advantage to encourage followers to take his survey on Professional Learning Network (PLN) Tools. Within a week or so, Doug had 513 responses; a good and fast response! Some interesting facts follow, but please read Doug’s full blog post to read more about other highlights or possible  limitations of the survey.

  • PLN means different things to different people.
  • Professionals are connected and those connections, while maybe changing in some ways, are getting stronger overall.
  • Three most used PLN tools were: social bookmarking sites, webinars, and blogs
  • Three least used PLN tools were: Google+, LinkedIn, and Nings
  • Three tools getting most increased use: blogs, webinars, and social bookmarking

What about you, what is your favorite PLN tool?