ETL401 Assessment 2 Task C

ETL401 Assessment 2 Task C

My participation in ETL401 has certainly altered my view of the role of the teacher librarian. I first began studying Teacher Librarianship in 1992. I managed to get through half of the course before babies, family and work commitments took up my time. When I finally had time to think about study again…..I had to start all over.

Years later, I have found the units vastly different. No longer is the focus on children’s literature, teaching basic research skills and developing the collection. No longer are we simply responsible providing resources, developing literacy, research skills and a life-long love of reading. No longer is it enough to have a great looking library with wonderful displays and a well-balanced collection. (“What exactly is a balanced collection?” Author Winzenried- Forum 15/9/11) No longer can we stay in the library and wait for the weekly class visit.

The TL role has grown to include so much more. One needs to be proactive and get out into classrooms. (The idea of the classroom is changing too with the inclusion of virtual technology) We are expected to provide PD, perform a leadership role, work with the administration and collaborate with teachers to develop relevant learning programs to help guide students towards education goals and information literacy. TLs need to understand and utilize many forms of ICTs and integrate them successfully into learning programs. 

The discussions on the forums helped me as I saw that others were feeling as apprehensive as I was about how much the role has grown and changed. Many of us were struggling with the sometimes overwhelming use of technology both in our own study and in the role of the TL.

When I look back through my blog posts one in particular jumps out at me. On the 6^th of August, full of enthusiasm, after looking at the role of the TL, I posted this;

“My reading has shown me this:

I want to be part of the movement to help others see the school library as more than a book collection.

I want to help develop the concept of the library being a vital, up to date media centre that can extend beyond its physical confines. (Lamb & Johnson 2008)
I want to be the TL that still helps young people develop a passion for reading, but perhaps my recommendations might also include an audio book or web-based magazine.
I want to be the TL who can provide guidance in the effective use of materials and information technology to both students and teachers.
I want to be the TL who participates in curriculum design and assessment.
I want to be the TL who makes the library the exciting central hub of relevant learning for his/her school.
I want to be able to provide support to my school administrators and fellow teachers.
I want to be a Teacher Librarian in the 21st Century!”

Then I got my first assignment back! My enthusiasm waned considerably! LL

Ploughing through the modules, further exploring the TL role and reading motivating articles by authors such as Doug Johnson (2002 & 2004) and Joyce Valenza (2010) have added to my new perception of the role. I found some great articles/sites on collaboration (posted on my blog) that give practical ideas and advice.

My perception now….. the 21^st century TL needs to be progressive & flexible, dynamic & enthusiastic, efficient & helpful, possess great interpersonal skills, be a wiz with all things technical, know the curriculum back to front across all subjects/grades, be a fantastic, multi-skilled teacher with loads of strategies, collaborate/plan and teach with teachers, be able to manage students, staff, budgets and all other library administrative needs, document everything, keep everyone informed, and have time to read, trial and review all kinds of different learning resources and materials. Not too much to ask???? ……Not of SUPER TEACHER LIBRARIAN! I have to admit, it all seems a little daunting………

  Author Winzenried (Forum 15/09/11) pointed out that priority seems to be the deciding factor. What each individual TL decides in the context of their own skill set, their environment, other staff, budget, etc. perhaps will then define the level and nature of collaboration.

I enjoyed reading Sue Spence’s advice on the main elements of being a successful TL. (Spence, (n.d.)

More importantly, I noted the point she made about there being no reward in becoming a doormat who works themselves into the ground to meet the needs of others. Accept that you will never get everything the way you want it. There will always be 'blockers'; so 'work with the willing'. People need time and space as well as persuasion to change their ways.

I think I will listen to this and start small, make influential friends and be sure to celebrate successes and let everyone know! JJJJ