I have seen the Ken Robinson Changing Education Paradigms video many times since it was published. It presents the education system as having an outdated structure that is not compatible with modern ways of living. Structure, cultural and societal influences on education are spaces that a teacher librarian can help to create change.

In the cultural space Robinson (2010) explains that countries are trying to educate children so that they have a sense of cultural identity. One way to do this is to provide books that reflect the cultures of the students in the school. Creating displays of texts that highlight the diverse celebrations that can be found within the school community is another.

An alternative way to look at culture is the culture of the school – does it champion innovation or follow more traditional methods? A teacher librarian can influence the culture of a school by demonstrating best practise in their own lessons, and even better, in co-taught lessons, allowing other teachers to see what is possible and therefore leading a cultural change within the school – just like the dancing man leads people to join him in the Leadership from a dancing guy (Hughes, 2010) video.

This idea of co-teaching with classroom teachers can also impact the structure of a school. Traditionally TLs in a primary school setting are used a ‘specialist’ subject that allows the classroom teacher to have their allocated non-contact time to plan and undertake administrative duties. The TL could advocate for a structural change where they have a more flexible timetable allowing them to co-teach inquiry units with classroom teachers, modelling innovative instructional practises and embedding digital technologies into teacher’s practice.

Societal influences on a school are various. Education, in particular curriculum, reflects the values of the elected government which in turn should reflect the values of society. The TL could drive change by championing and highlighting ways the general capabilities in the Australian Curriculum can be embedded in units of work. TLs can also drive change of the perception of a TL’s role within the school by promoting the work they do to the wider school community by advertising school library services and events in the school newsletter, connecting to a network of TLs and joining associations that promote the profession in a positive light.

TLs have varied ways that they can help drive change in schools and create a positive impact. Building positive relationships with those in formal leadership positions is vital for the more ambitious changes to occur. Being loud about their achievements within the school and what they can offer the community can increase the possibility of real change occurring.

References:

Hughes, M. (2010, June 12). Leadership from a dancing guy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO8MwBZl-Vc

Robinson, K. [RSA Animate]. (2010, October 14). Changing education paradigms [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U