She's retiring effective October 31 and while this would normally be a post congratulating her and and thanking her for her service, it has to be a bit more sad than that.
Not only is this wonderful woman in an important position for our state retiring, but for some unknown reason she is not being replaced. I fear what this means for school media specialists and school media centers in the state of Georgia and all of the important work we do for the students in our state.
In the meantime, all we can do is the best job we can. In her email notifying us of her departure, Judy sent along a list of 101 pieces of advice she's collected or written down over the years. Some of it is specific to GA educators, but all of it is wise. I'll attach it here.
Thanks Judy!
"Get a library card
Use your library card
Use sun block
Join GLMA, GLA, GAIT, AASL, AAL
Don’t just join—participate
Conduct Professional Learning
Don’t sit quietly thinking someone else will speak up for what you believe, what you think is right, what you think is wrong
Learn something from everyone—including children
If you say you will do it, do it. Be reliable.
Nobody likes a know-it-all
Don’t save everything
Promote GALILEO to students
Promote GALILEO to teachers
Promote GALILEO to administrators
Promote GALILEO to legislators
Promote GALILEO to parents
Don’t buy a lot of stuff, and only buy the stuff you really love
Always remember those who helped you. Deliver two or three times as much value back.
Learn to really listen
Participate in Professional Learning
Stand up for what you believe in, but make sure you really believe it
Find your voice
Give people compliments…but make sure you are sincere
Find mentors and use them
Become a mentor to someone
Learn the name of the maintenance workers, custodians, bag boy. If they speak a different language than you, learn a few words in their language.
Go to concerts
Be visible
Go to museums
Write a white paper on your Library Media Program. Give it to your administrator
Go for a walk…without your cell phone
Tell the people you love, that you love them
Go on a picnic
Write an article for your local paper on your Library Media Program
Realize that students are our first priority
Having a passion for teaching builds a passion for learning.
Make your Library Media Center welcoming to all
Openness, honesty, and integrity are fundamental.
Be kind
When someone asks what you do, say “teach”. When they ask what do you teach, reply “everything”.
Collaborate
Attend grade level/curriculum area meetings. Bring food and ideas
Take a first year teacher under your wing
Take a first year Library Media Specialist under your wing
Smile…a lot.
Laugh…even more
Encourage
Start a book club
Vote
Pay the toll for the person behind you
Don’t be a “secret” weapon in the Library Media Center for the Common Core….why are we keeping it a secret?
Don’t criticize or complain without offering a possible solution
Be tolerant
Be respectful
Be indispensable
Be honest
Be happy with simple pleasures
Go to professional conferences
Go back to your school and share what you learned at professional conferences
Make parents your allies
Use blogs, twitter, Facebook to promote your Library Media program
Promote GALILEO to students
Promote GALILEO to teachers
Promote GALILEO to administrators
Promote GALILEO to legislators
Promote GALILEO to parents
Volunteer
Be in a book club
Have a focus
Don’t think someone else is going to toot your horn…you need to show your value.
Treat everyone with dignity
Be a team player
Publish….in a professional journal, your local paper, the school newsletter
Thank a former teacher
Manage your time well
Read banned books
Practice patience…even with yourself
Eat breakfast
Practice tact
Be grateful
Tip well
Participate in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl
Wear your seatbelt
Be visible
Say yes as often as possible
Facilitate thinking
Engage minds
Listen to questions
Ask questions
Encourage risk
Cultivate dreams
Learn everyday
Stay true to your vision
Always know what is going on
Be professional at all times
Know that our business is a people business
Be authentic
Don’t hold a grudge
Leave a legacy
Remember we are here for the kids
Make your own list"
