Combining two meme today. Thanks Ruth Ayres and Margaret Simon for hosting these two important communities.
It’s been a busy week.Our deputy Superintendent called for a meeting with all Library Information and Technology Teachers (LITT) for Friday at 3:15 PM. He wanted to discuss our future and role with technology in the district. Some people complained about the timing. After all it was early release for elementary.
Too bad some chose to miss the optional meeting. The Dep. Superintendent delivered a presentation about the district.
First he shared this: Internet in Real Time. a new vision and the plan to go 1:1 for student devices Grades 4-12 by the fall of 2017.
The new brand for the district is “LIFT Evergreen: Linking Individuals’ Futures Today. It is evident that the district is putting much thought into how to be a 21st century district. Do you realize that 16% of the 21st century is in the books?
Our role is changing. It’s clear the district wants us to be coaches for technology in this new vision. They don’t want us troubleshooting but teaching. Of course, after reading this article by Fareed Zakaria, I hope the district will remember the importance of the arts and writing.
The Dep. Superintendent and other key stake holders actually listened to our concern about the laptops used in the library now not available because of state testing. It’s been frustrating to teach as I am in the middle of several projects and I am lucky if I have a couple laptops for grades 3-5 to teach. Hopefully this will change next year. How can we be the leaders in the school and not have the tools to use in class?
The meeting ended at 5PM or shall I say I left but some still lingered. I walked away celebrating that the next years of teaching will be exciting.
Check It Out 
Jone, when I go into districts to deliver professional development on engaging literacy landscapes, I ask that the librarians be part of the PD. I value librarians as key resource specialists of the 21st century. Yes, your role is changing but for the better I believe as teacher-coach, information and media specialist, and all round knowledgeable person about books.
It’s certainly an interesting time for educators. Your line 16% of the 21st century is in the books gave me something to think about. I’m still surprised that this is the 21st century and time continues to tick away. Love that you came away from a Friday afternoon meeting celebrating!