The thought of retirement must have frightened me, not being useful, spending my days at the sewing machine or computer, gaining weight! So I offered to help out rural schools, and now I'm in Karluk, at the southwest end of Kodiak Island this week, subbing for the elementary aide. It is fun to work with students in reading, science, Alaska History and math, especially when their needs are diverse and their skills varied. How to make learning fun as well and meaningful and useful is the quandary I always mull over, and ask myself, am I making a difference?
The students are respectful, joyous and a pleasure to work with, as are their teachers, Russ & Claudia Scotter. I'm learning something new every day myself. Do I want to return to elementary teaching? IT's exhausting and often stressful, but I find I want to stick around and see how they progress! More soon!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
American Library Association Conference
Attending the annual ALA conference in Anaheim was exhilarating, meaningful, and very enriching. To be surrounded by 20,000 library people, authors, and vendors was confirmation that the world of information and resources is alive and well, and my profession continues to flourish despite what the budget-cutters may believe.
Sessions were available for school, academic, museum and other special interest librarians, often held at the same time to make us choose which excellent session to attend. The publishing vendors gave away thousands of books, perhaps galley proofs, but still giving us an opportunity to read something new by a favorite author before it hits the shelves.
The musical performances were outstanding, I really enjoyed the Rock Bottom remainders with Steven King, Amy Tan, Mitch Ablom, Dave Barry, Max Groening, Roger McGwin and many others who continued to play long past closing time. Betty LaVette, the closing performer was moving and has a great voice. Yes we all know Motown, but she was Motown before it became popular. I thought it interesting that she saw the British Invasion of the 60s to be a competitive threat to her career, as they took so much attention away from the R&B singers.
Well organized, excellent services and many opportunities for collegial sharing, I am thrilled to have a chance to attend, and I thank AkASL for the financial help as well as ALA for the experience. I am going next year, if I am able, Chicago is a favorite of mine!
Sessions were available for school, academic, museum and other special interest librarians, often held at the same time to make us choose which excellent session to attend. The publishing vendors gave away thousands of books, perhaps galley proofs, but still giving us an opportunity to read something new by a favorite author before it hits the shelves.
The musical performances were outstanding, I really enjoyed the Rock Bottom remainders with Steven King, Amy Tan, Mitch Ablom, Dave Barry, Max Groening, Roger McGwin and many others who continued to play long past closing time. Betty LaVette, the closing performer was moving and has a great voice. Yes we all know Motown, but she was Motown before it became popular. I thought it interesting that she saw the British Invasion of the 60s to be a competitive threat to her career, as they took so much attention away from the R&B singers.
Well organized, excellent services and many opportunities for collegial sharing, I am thrilled to have a chance to attend, and I thank AkASL for the financial help as well as ALA for the experience. I am going next year, if I am able, Chicago is a favorite of mine!
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