LIS 406 Interview With a School Library Teacher

Erin BroderickZervas Elementary SchoolNewton, MA

Newton, MA

Population: 85,146 in 2010

15 Elementary Schools

4 Middle Schools 2 High Schools

Zervas Elementary School

349 Students in 2010

Not a Title I School METCO School

Zervas Elementary School

71%

14%

5%

4%6%

WhiteAsian AmericanHispanicAfrican AmericanOther

Zervas Elementary School

15%

19%

66%

SPED ELLOther Students

Reporting Structure

Superintendent

↑Director of Instructional Technology &

Library Media

↑Co-ordinator of Library and Media Services

↑School Library Teacher

Location & Physical Space

648 Square Feet Corner modular

classroom

Location & Physical Space

10 Desktops HP Laserjet Printer Projector ELMO 2 Laptop Carts

Collection

11,000 Print volumes, includes small professional development section

Audio books & Playaways

Ebooks

Collection

Databases: PebbleGo BrainPOP TeachingBooks.net TumbleBooks

Making Connections

Students – we see all grade levels Teachers Administrators - workshops Parents

Library Advocacy

PTO Board & School Council Library Gift Book Sale Workshops School Newsletter

Technology

Broderick is a technology leader Maintains website/blog Offers webinars & workshops Teachers summer technology classes Technology/collaboration workshop at

AASL Keeps up-to-date with new technology

Joyce Valenza, Doug Johnson, Mr. Schu

Design of Physical Space

Old, modular classroom Overcomes lack of space by:

Teaching in regular classrooms Moving shelves to create central

instructional area

Web Presence

Extends walls of library Skype school in Chicago

Extends hours of library Regular hours 8:20am-3pm Summer projects

Communication with school community

Schedule

Fixed schedule Grades K-4, 30 minutes per week Grade 5, 45 minutes every other week

Back to back classes 4 days at Zervas, 1 day at other

elementary school Schedule

Focused Lessons

Pace the lesson Do not overplan

Resource Management

Outside of working day

Signage Some tasks can be

delegated

Strengths & Weaknesses

First the weaknesses: Fixed Schedule

Limited time to co-plan Limited time to fully differentiate lesson

for ELL/SPED

Weaknesses

Physical Space & Furniture Noisy Corner Modular Cramped, rotted space Shelves too tall for students

Weaknesses

Space is used for other purposes before/after school by others

Lack of time for resource management & website maintenance

Strengths

Relationship with PTO On PTO Board & School Council

Budget Technology Newton School district

Wishlist

An aide Better space Smartboard Be an instructional & planning partner not

just an information resource provider

Main Takeaways

Parents are great allies $$ Great advocates

Stay on top of technology Student-centered, curriculum supporting

activities over other responsibilities

Questions?

Thank You