Week 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

Begin your post for this week with some background: what is your current job, what program are you enrolled in, what brings you to that program, and what do you expect when you graduate (change jobs? obtain a promotion?)
I am currently a Kindergarten teacher for Cedar Hill ISD.  I have been teaching for the past 16 years (5^th grade Math, 3^rd grade, Kindergarten and Pre K).  As a young child, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and work with children.  After years in the classroom, and the love of reading and books, I have decided it’s finally time for a change.  I am currently pursuing my Masters of Educational Technology/Library Science through TAMC.  My goal after graduating with my Masters Degree is to get a job as a school librarian, preferably in an elementary school.

Next, describe the kind of work you want to do and the type of organization or institution in which you want to work. Use the WorkMatrix in the chapter titled “Getting a Job in the Business and Industry” to help organize your thoughts. Do you most desire first, second, third or fourth level service? Or would you rather design or develop instruction? What features of work are important to you? What economic sector do you want to work in?
Because my text book edition does not have the WorkMatrix, I was not able to thoroughly investigate it and see what each level means.  But, from reading a few of the other blogs, I feel that I must be in the 1^st level of service (teaching, delivering, and training).  I want to continue working with students, preferably elementary aged students after graduating with my Masters Degree.  I would love to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons and share information with them. But, I am not a person who likes to stand up in front of my peers and give presentations!

Based on these intentions, explain what you need to learn. What skills and qualifications do you need? Will you obtain the skills you need in the required courses in your program? What electives might you need to take to help you develop skills specific to your aspirations?
I will need to graduate with my Masters Degree and pass the certification test to become a school librarian.  This is my second semester as a graduate student, so there are many more courses that will help me develop my library skills and technology/media integration.  I am looking forward to learning and gaining new knowledge over the next year of school.

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining these organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not?
I think there are a several organizations that will best support my continued learning after graduation.  I will most likely join the Texas Library Association.  I will be able to keep up to date on many issues that librarians in Texas are encountering.  Another organization that I most likely will join is the American Association of School Librarians.  I hope to look into joining at least of one these organizations in the spring.  By joining while I am still in school, sometimes there is a discount!  Plus, I will be able to gain that much more information in my hopeful field.