Module 12
Thinking about the modules, there are themes that have re-appeared in different cloaks through the course. The role of the teacher-librarian, especially with regard to technology, has stood out for me. I organized some ideas under three big headings, multi-modal texts, critical literacies, and TLs as educational leaders. I feel that all of these are fundamental parts of a teacher-librarian’s responsibilities within a school, each leading to another aspect of the job. I created a mind-map to lay out the connections.
Key Advocacy Issues
Advocacy is somewhat new for me. I work in a well-funded system with support from a library clerk and a departmental section dedicated to school libraries. As we get ready to move to our new space, I have had to become more vocal about design and resource issues, so those are my key advocacy points.
1. Within the new library, I must ensure our voices are heard with regard to creating a functional space. Furnishings and technology need to meet the needs of our students.
2. The library must also keep a variety of resource mediums. We need some physical resources as digital does not always work for everyone. We want to keep encouraging literacy, not intimidating or excluding students because they are not accustomed to or interested in e-books or online resources.
3. Within my school, I need to promote myself more as a co-teacher, collaborator, resource, and Web 2.0 support person. In the past this has not happened a lot so I need to shift the thinking of my staff to encourage them to want to work with me in the redesigned space, trying out new technologies or methodologies.
4. A wider issue in my area which has not yet affected me, is that of inconsistent teacher-librarian time within elementary schools. Many have part-time staff who have other teaching assignments and not enough time to effectively manage the space. Many tasks are left to the clerks and there is virtually no chance for collaboration. As a collective, TLs are speaking out and pursuing this with our union and departmental officials in the hopes of starting a dialogue.
