By CHLOE HARGRAVE – Editor-in-Chief
International Baccalaureate/Gifted Collaborator Meri Blackburn has new responsibilities for the 2012-13 school year.
Former foreign language department teacher Dr. Meri Blackburn now resides in Room 131, where she meets with teachers and seeks to provide improvements for the school.
International Baccalaureate /Gifted Collaborator Dr. Meri Blackburn serves as a helping figure in the school for teachers, administrators and gifted students. Photo by Porter McLeod.
Blackburn assumed the role of the International Baccalaureate/Gifted Collaborator in addition to her duties as School Scheduler in August.
“I really enjoyed teaching and being with kids, so that is an adjustment, but I was talking to someone the other day and they said, ‘You know you can do more good for the school out of the classroom,’” Blackburn said.
Blackburn was initially offered the position for the 2011-12 school year, but chose to continue teaching. The following year, Blackburn was offered the position again.
“I was asked two years ago if I would do this last year, and I said I would think about it and I decided that I wasn’t ready to leave the classroom so I actually said no because I needed more student time. Then it was reintroduced to me as a job for this school year and I thought about it and I came back and said yes,” Blackburn said.
In her new position, Blackburn faces tasks concerning teachers, as opposed to spending a significant amount of time with students.
“With my Gifted Facilitator job, I’ve been spending more time with teachers. But, I’m kind of focusing in the ninth and tenth grade classes because of IB. But the Gifted part of me could work with anyone with advanced classes,” Blackburn said.
Blackburn’s responsibilities last year included teaching, grading papers and creating lesson plans, which required her to spend extensive hours outside of school. This year her work takes place during school hours, and for the most part includes meeting with faculty.
“Last year when I left here, no matter what time it was, I went home and I worked for another two hours. Now I feel (all) the stuff I have to do is here,” Blackburn said.
CCHS English department teacher Brian Ash finds Blackburn’s new responsibilities very helpful.
“There (are) less teachers this year than there were last year, and she’s picked up a lot of that slack and weight because she can and she knows how to do all of it. I don’t think they would ask her to do it if they didn’t think she’d do a good job at it,” Ash said.
Although she often works with teachers and administrators, Blackburn’s new role is not considered an administrative position.
“She has gone through the Rising Stars program, which made her eligible for a leadership certificate meaning (she) can serve in a K-12 school,” CCHS Associate Principal Mary Thielman said. “Her certificate allows her to do the same thing. She just hasn’t been employed by the district as an administrator.”
Although Blackburn is not recognized as an administrator, she is welcomed by CCHS administrators to contribute another voice.
“She is not responsible for (some administrative tasks, but) she does provide leadership, voice and direction to some of the most critical programs or initiatives,” Thielman said.
Blackburn may not be able to spend 90 minutes with students every day or be considered a disciplinary figure, but as a way of incorporating her voice, Thielman welcomes Blackburn when counseling students.
“Because she has such a good relationship with many (students), if I have a (student) and I just need another adult voice I will frequently ask her to come down and say, ‘I’d like to introduce you to so and so. They’re having trouble in this course or this social setting,’” Thielman said.
Despite the time she does have with students, Blackburn finds the separation from kids is the hardest part about the new position.
“Not having students (is tough). Kids come and see me throughout the day and I mentor a couple students, so I see them which is good, but it’s different. I’m adjusting, but it’s tough,” Blackburn said.
Although Blackburn is not able to spend as much time with students as in the past, she still spends time outside of school hours facilitating clubs such as the Humane Society Club and Relay for Life.
“She’s a lot of fun she’s always willing to take anyone in and have a lot of people and willing to do the work,” CCHS junior Josefine Streipen said.
In the beginning of the year, majority of Blackburn’s work involved scheduling. Now that the scheduling period is over, she has explored other parts of her new position.
“It’s really early right now, I’m not sure what neat little turns it will take this year, but I’m starting to catch my breath,” Blackburn said.
As Blackburn grows into the position, she still finds different aspects of her responsibilities.
“I’m learning more and more about my job and it’s very exciting,” Blackburn said. “I’m starting to get to my groove now and I think my groove is going to be a good place.”
