Peer Review Posted for Michelle Plant. Blogger of Between Books. http://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/teacherlibrarianlearningnet/2018/03/04/etl401-part-b-blog-post/
Hi Michelle, I appreciate the clean, easy to read, simplicity of your well-designed Between Books blog site. It appears well organised with structures put in place for easy navigation and perusal.
I enjoyed reading your personal experiences as a TL overseas in the Ukraine and Dubai. You have been very fortunate to have the support of your school management team in the past and my research suggests “the principal’s perception of the role of the Teacher-Librarian is crucial to the way the school library and Teacher-Librarian is supported (or not) in the school”(Lupton, M. 2016,p 50). Shannon (2012) as cited in Lupton (2016) suggests it is essential that the TL establish a collaborative partnership with the principal.
It is evident that the many “hats” you wear fulfilling the demands and requirements of both your past and present roles suggest your presence and contribution in the school are valuable and irreplaceable. Despite your senior management questioning the worth of the role of the TL in today’s technological landscape, I would like to encourage you to continue to challenge those perceptions by continuing to build your rapport and relevance in the school community. There is no doubt you have already gained so much from the short time we have been engaged in our course. Lupton (2016) suggestions the following qualities and attributes help prove the value of the TL: have a good relationship with the principal, be proactive, interpersonal skills, innovative practices, demonstrate ICT expertise, participate in curriculum development, be an expert teacher.
All the best as you juggle the busy and demanding role of combining your work and study. I hope this journey will equip and mobilise you to redefine perceptions and erase grey areas you encounter. I look forward to following your unique experience of working and studying while overseas.
Jennifer Greensill
Blogger for Eden’s Corner
REFERENCES
Lupton, M. (2016). Adding value: principals’ perceptions of the role of the teacher-librarian. School Libraries Worldwide, 22(1), 49-61. doi:10.14265.22.1.005