Scenario – It is the middle of report writing and you overhear two teacher colleagues complaining about the light teaching and reporting load of the teacher librarian.

Reflect – This scenario is something that I have experienced quiet frequently after coming into the TL role recently. Many teachers see the admin time of the TL as additional release and don’t understand the need for it. Another situation I have also faced is teacher assuming that the TL doesn’t teach, plan lessons or report like classroom teachers. In these situations I have also be kind but firm in explaining to the classroom teacher that although the load looks different it is equivalent to that of a classroom teacher. I ensure that they understand the importance of teaching library skills to students and the challenges that come along with planning, teaching and reporting for large groups of students that you don’t see everyday.

I think as a TL and middle leader in the school it is vital that we are transparent with the teachers and find was to include and demonstrate to the what is done in the library and why it is so important to not only the students learning but how well it can be incorporated into classroom learning too.