Section 6: Getting an IDT Position and Succeeding at It

This section of your textbook focuses on jobs in the profession of instructional design and technology: lessons and tips on how to get one and organizations that can support the job search and continued learning in the IDT field. Many of you already have a job in the field or in a related field; however, based on this week’s readings, you’ll reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and what you need to learn or do to get there. 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 promo

I am currently beginning my first year as an elementary school librarian, serving on a new campus with new staff in this new position. I am currently in my 2^nd and hopefully my final year of study in the Library of Science degree. This will be my second master’s degree. I have my Bachelor’s Degree and teacher certification in elementary education specializing in reading.  I have a life time certificate in education and proud of that.  As an educator I served as an early childhood teacher for 23 years total so far.  In 2007 I received my master’s degree in Reading which my first love in education.  I feel that all knowledge begins and ends with reading.  I worked with multiple programs within the elementary school campus from SST, dyslexia, field trip chairperson,  21^st Century summer/ afterschool camp lead person, Sunshine committee chair, CILT team member and grade level Team Lead.   I have always enjoyed working with the children and after coordinating various children’s activities with others, and to help in any capacity where I am needed. I feel as if I am a giver. Two years ago I began to give some serious consideration to the idea or obtaining by school librarian certification. I have had limited experience in the library setting, and maximum in the classroom.  The experience with teaching reading and the love of books is what pushed me to the challenge of change. Therefore, I think that the idea of being a school librarian would be a good fit.  Upon graduation I hope to be able to pass the certification exam and continue to keep my current position as a school librarian and my job within DISD.

Next, describe the kind of work that 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 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? 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? 

Eventually I hope to become certified and complete my tenure as employee as a library/media specialist. I would like to work and become a positive impact to the teachers as well as the students. It is my goal to be able to have a positive impact in the classroom and library setting.  I suppose that I would most desire first level service as my goal is to become a school librarian. When it comes to designing or developing instruction, I think that I would be most comfortable developing instruction rather than designing it. In our district you are the creator of the lessons, and how it is tested for impact.  The collaboration of instruction with the teachers is a major factor in my position.  I am their resource to books and technology which is the link to the instruction in class. With the introduction of new and different types of technology into the classrooms and schools, the job of school librarian has changed dramatically. The position has become one in which knowledge of instructional technology and various media is an important part of the job. I have many areas that I need to focus on in the technology piece of the degree that I lack in still to be fully functional to serve the students and teachers well. The economic structure I feel comfortable serving would be the middle to low income schools.  I would feel needed and would best be of service to them. I hope that I can obtain this knowledge and required skill set through the coursework required in my program. I feel that sometimes the required classes that are given by this university do not make a perfect fit for my position as it pertains to my grade level of choice when it comes to technology and research.  I am doing my best to for fill the requirements. 

Finally, what organizations would best support your continued learning after you graduate? Do you think you would benefit from joining those organizations before graduating? Explain why or why not? think that professional organizations are extremely beneficial resources. Among the organizations that I think would be helpful in my profession would be the following:

Dallas Association of School Librarians (DASL) is our local professional organization.

This organization services the Dallas librarians and keeps us up to date with local district issues as well as state.

 American Association of School Librarians (AASL)- this organization is a division of the American Library Association. It is the “only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community”. More information about the organization can be found on their website www.ala.org/aasl/.

The Texas Association of School Librarians (TASL)- the purpose of this organization(as stated on their website) is to “promote library services and librarianship in school libraries in Texas and to cooperate in the promotion of general and joint enterprises with the Texas Library Association”.  More information about the organization can be found on their website www.txla.org/groups/tasl.

The Association of Texas Professional Educators  (ATPE)- this professional organization was founded by educators and is the “leading educators’ association in Texas and the largest independent educators’ association in the United States”. “ATPE exists to serve the needs of Texas public education and fights for our schools on the local, state, and national levels.” More information about this organization can be found on their website www.atpe.org.

This program will support my background as an educator.  Librarians are educators too.  They have links that assist to what are best practices in education.

I am currently a member of the Dallas chapter and I hope to soon become a member of the State and national chapters I believe that it could be beneficial to join these organizations before graduating because they offer so many helpful resources. They all provide opportunities for professional development and continuing education, and other learning resources. In addition, they provide ways to connect and collaborate with other professionals and organizations in the educational field. Many also provide advocacy on behalf of their members and ATPE provides legal protection to its members should the need arise.  I have been in a situation where they were there to support me and protect me.