tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post7962965118923713718..comments2023-06-22T00:53:36.500-07:00Comments on The Library is Not a Fruit: Message ReceivedMizz Murphyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628880790853250260noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-11622957732186560332011-07-23T11:36:16.221-07:002011-07-23T11:36:16.221-07:00Oh dear, you are such a class act. It is so sorrow...Oh dear, you are such a class act. It is so sorrowful thinking that such an amazing educator as you had to go through this experience! But born out of fire, someone of your metal can only be made stronger from this trauma. Please let us, your admiring readers, know where you land & that you're happy! Consider coming to ISTE12 next year in San Diego - I'd love to meet you & shake your hand! <br />~Gwyneth@GwynethJones - The Daring Librarianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00455804690126231910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-17231326094236983052011-07-04T17:07:15.683-07:002011-07-04T17:07:15.683-07:00Are you working on a book about your experience? Y...Are you working on a book about your experience? Your story needs to be told. School "reform" is damaging real teaching and learning all over this nation. Think about who would play you in the movie...Mr. Cantorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07463333846222929768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-75807126212607262812011-06-05T17:55:01.323-07:002011-06-05T17:55:01.323-07:00I just saw a link to this blog piece from my FB. I...I just saw a link to this blog piece from my FB. I've followed in the LA Times the story of these librarian teachers placed on trial. I'm sorry that you are going through this, sorry about these times, sorry about the fact that this is so utterly unlike anything, anyone can do much about but hang a head in shame. I often feel if this is how teachers are treated we can understand then how kids are treated.<br /><br />I think your writing no doubt represents your concerns to do good work. If that ruins anyone then I would think it would be the system that "uses" it to do something that just sounds a true mess.<br /><br />I continually see this the net result of funding the rich, but that's me...again this is such a heartfelt writing it is hard not to want to respond and give support. I hope you come through this ok.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04720065989231127561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-4851311204121838972011-06-05T12:14:48.101-07:002011-06-05T12:14:48.101-07:00I had the library program for one year in a NYC el...I had the library program for one year in a NYC elementary school. Of course it wasn't called "Library" because that would include extra administrative periods as well as a special license. So, instead it was a "Literacy" cluster position, but I still had to handle the immense amount of clerical work that goes along with the running of a library. <br /><br />When it came to ordering books, I ordered many popular titles in a few different languages. The looks on the faces of the 5-year old students who were happy to have a book their parents could read to them made my day as did the reaction of a new immigrant from China (who just entered the 5th grade) when she walked out with a copy of Harry Potter. I was also grateful for the training I received through the district. I enjoyed new ways to teach research skills and was happy to implement them.<br /><br />But my principal had other ideas. She wanted my book order in earlier than the deadline allowed. When I told her the Caldecott and Newbery Awards would be released in a few weeks, she didn't care. Then as the school year was coming to a close, she announced the library program would be changed to a writing program--or should I say, "test-prep" program. We argued about it, and I didn't apply for the position. <br /><br />The teachers told me how happy the students were to come to the library. Even the volunteer who helped me out once a week noticed the difference. <br /><br />The bottom line is this: <br />Test scores = principal bonus. Libraries are no longer important.<br />Making children lifelong learners and loving reading is on the bottom of the list--even in these days of the "reform movement". <br /><br />You did the right thing in taking this to a hearing. But today budgets (and greed) trump a good education.Schoolgalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02327692336247705060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-61813316042079882592011-06-02T19:37:59.621-07:002011-06-02T19:37:59.621-07:00The following may be of interest as this is from o...The following may be of interest as this is from one of the top two librarian bloggers:<br /><br />"<a href="http://blog.libraryjournal.com/annoyedlibrarian/2011/06/02/teachers-and-librarians-in-la/" rel="nofollow">Teachers and Librarians in L.A.</a>," by <b>Annoyed Librarian</b>, <i>Library Journal</i>, 2 June 2011.SafeLibraries®https://www.blogger.com/profile/06756725065032196698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-24239045404055062312011-05-31T12:13:36.837-07:002011-05-31T12:13:36.837-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ms.Berubehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16684451060265693675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-61355104828419861472011-05-31T02:32:17.850-07:002011-05-31T02:32:17.850-07:00Nora, your story has reached us in the UK too. I h...Nora, your story has reached us in the UK too. I have tears in my eyes as I read your blog. You are an inspiration to us all. My very best wishes for your future.The Librainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16440465083156076970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-74230468984320324182011-05-29T17:17:59.949-07:002011-05-29T17:17:59.949-07:00Thank you for being so brave and so inspirational!...Thank you for being so brave and so inspirational! We are with you across the country in Connecticut!Mrs. Shortshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11551550275101447627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-18961884985504047412011-05-27T08:28:47.701-07:002011-05-27T08:28:47.701-07:00So well said and reflective. Everyone of us has a ...So well said and reflective. Everyone of us has a moment when we don't shine as brilliantly as others, so you shouldn't feel one bit badly about your reflections on days that weren't your best. You were honest. Kudos and best wishes, and a thump on the head to anyone who thinks less of you for your honesty about the job you've done well for so long.Marie https://www.blogger.com/profile/00232112500545527374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-11987349626279031812011-05-27T04:29:40.809-07:002011-05-27T04:29:40.809-07:00Our librarians have not yet been cut, but this yea...Our librarians have not yet been cut, but this year's RIF has been brutal on teachers. It breaks my heart, and I'm scared for all those who will soldier on in classrooms barely large enough to hold all those middle school bodies next year. I know in my heart, librarians are next. I have a year at most to seek a new direction. Best wishes to you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-91372076757084185072011-05-26T19:22:56.598-07:002011-05-26T19:22:56.598-07:00You're in my thoughts and prayers. You have i...You're in my thoughts and prayers. You have inspired me to stick with my situation, to speak out for the informational needs of my students.<br /><br />All I ever wanted to do was teach... since I was 7 years old. I never expected that it would be so hard to deliver quality instruction - that it would be blocked by those in charge.<br /><br />You have given me courage, and you have reminded me that while I may feel very alone as the only certified librarian in my district, I'm not alone in this fight... and neither are you.Cindy Rogershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00767022399026402890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-39284845325886603232011-05-26T10:25:50.272-07:002011-05-26T10:25:50.272-07:00This is just heartbreaking. I am ashamed of our sc...This is just heartbreaking. I am ashamed of our school district for doing this.Liz Dwyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17794296990587989214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-51800351534671455522011-05-26T08:44:00.743-07:002011-05-26T08:44:00.743-07:00Nora, you are an inspiration and a hero! This sce...Nora, you are an inspiration and a hero! This scenario is being reenacted all over the country--librarians, technologists, nurses and teachers are all being "rewarded" for their years of dedication and hard work in one of the most difficult professions around. My thoughts are with you and hope to see you emerge like the phoenix from the ashes of this fire!myskahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08782352947566674338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-58265748863983347642011-05-26T08:15:39.628-07:002011-05-26T08:15:39.628-07:00Nora
You echoed my feelings completely; I too felt...Nora<br />You echoed my feelings completely; I too felt completely demoralized after my hearing. I hope you will remember that because you spoke out, you brought the cause of Teacher Librarians and Libraries to the forefront across the nation. We can't pay you Nora, or give you a job, but the TLs in LAUSD love, admire, and thank you for your courage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-31548058640310694362011-05-25T21:00:41.648-07:002011-05-25T21:00:41.648-07:00Nora, I hope you never regret a word you've sa...Nora, I hope you never regret a word you've said here. They were honest words and ones that have spoken volumes about what is happening in LAUSD - and to some degree, in school libraries across the country. Had you not spoken, those basement interrogations would haver remained unknown events to most of us - instead you brought that into the public light so that we all might witness and rally in support. Thank you so much!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16335236311402637948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-79050732990934829772011-05-25T20:06:22.353-07:002011-05-25T20:06:22.353-07:00I am absolutely horrified by this story. It's ...I am absolutely horrified by this story. It's like something out of a repressive regime, not the beacon of truth and freedom that the US claims to be. Your journey to teacher librarianship really spoke to me. I am in the process of doing my masters to become a TL and I hope to join that fine profession and continue to be inspired by educators like yourself. Don't let the turkeys get you down. Don't doubt yourself. You're clearly fantastic at what you do. All the best from Australia. PennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-42014369027970381942011-05-25T16:51:48.230-07:002011-05-25T16:51:48.230-07:00This makes me ill. We shouldn't allow our educ...This makes me ill. We shouldn't allow our educators to be treated like this. We didn't create these budget problems, these economic crises -- we suffer from them all the same. The real culprits carry on, either in the positions they had when they destroyed the economy, or enjoying their golden parachutes. No prosecution, no jail time, certainly no one interrogating them to justify the millions they earn wrecking our society. Absolutely disgusting.<br /><br />Thank you for speaking out. You paid a dear price for it, and I am sorry. But you do us all a service by exposing this behavior and not taking it lying down. Best wishes.Kevin Moorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00743155275284609835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-71817713347344057542011-05-25T15:39:57.778-07:002011-05-25T15:39:57.778-07:00I am one of the Australian teacher librarians have...I am one of the Australian teacher librarians have followed your story. <br /><br />You are one of the eagles with whom I strive to soar.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16132379173589965916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-88314884445243825032011-05-25T13:21:04.490-07:002011-05-25T13:21:04.490-07:00You should know that these "hearings," w...You should know that these "hearings," while they are supposed to be legal proceedings, are really not worth bothering with. Any real attorney will tell you these "trials" are kangaroo courts, shams, and you seldom prevail.<br /><br />I went through a sham "termination" hearing in Nevada, and it was a total joke. See, school districts don't have to follow the law; they can fabricate charges in order to protect an administrator. These "lawyers" can forge documents, put in false documents, suborn perjury, tamper with witnesses, commit outright bribery of potential witnesses, and so on, and there is NOTHING you can do about it.<br /><br />You naively believed you have rights. What a fool you are. Teachers have fewer rights in this country than McDonald's workers.<br /><br />By the way, administrators have NO conscience. It's all about preserving their jobs at all costs, even if teachers' lives are destroyed, as mine was.OTE adminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09259422705314063194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-73670666850336184292011-05-25T13:18:39.265-07:002011-05-25T13:18:39.265-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.OTE adminhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09259422705314063194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-90148634719821775662011-05-25T07:45:17.807-07:002011-05-25T07:45:17.807-07:00who is more important than a teacher? it's the...who is more important than a teacher? it's the district's loss that is very clear. i don't know how some of those "people" sleep at night. i guess they dream only of dollar signs and people don't mean a thing.barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05777178573186565141noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-2735781026852912182011-05-25T06:23:46.721-07:002011-05-25T06:23:46.721-07:00Nora-my heart is tearing as I read about how the d...Nora-my heart is tearing as I read about how the district used a personal blog to attack you as a teacher librarian. Your honesty of the process has been widely shared and hopefully assisted the district in examining themselves. Hopefully, the district will realize that losing you as a teacher would be a tragedy. Always best wishes to you. You are not alone in this journey. Kudos to you.learningtrekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08398826127885531077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-2885870418837079042011-05-25T06:05:21.416-07:002011-05-25T06:05:21.416-07:00I can only say that I hope you decide to stick wit...I can only say that I hope you decide to stick with this fight. I guess I'm selfishly thinking of my granddaughter who is five and who deserves to have a passionate and excellent teacher who really cares about her students. What you are being subjected to by LAUSD is part of a nation-wide effort to destroy public education. We need your passion and dedication. Thank you again, Nora, for all that you do.turtlelearninghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00213278416862645698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-64715621713830113772011-05-24T19:14:14.868-07:002011-05-24T19:14:14.868-07:00This is the contact info page for LAUSD:
http://w...This is the contact info page for LAUSD:<br /><br />http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/district_directory/<br /><br />I'd like to urge those who are as offended at their recent actions as I am to please use this as a list of people to contact.Brian Chabothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13217024441959750848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252215172499370225.post-45014857758333577382011-05-24T13:23:50.607-07:002011-05-24T13:23:50.607-07:00check out this animation from RSA.
http://youtu.b...check out this animation from RSA.<br /><br />http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U<br /><br />Look for a different way to do what you want.ekirk0https://www.blogger.com/profile/07300292069012432875noreply@blogger.com