As I have not yet worked in a school library, and I am at the beginning of my journey towards becoming a fully-fledged TL, I feel that I have so much more to learn! The ASLA/ALIA TL Professional Standards are a helpful benchmark of the knowledge and skills that are required to become a highly accomplished TL. The Standards are useful for goal-setting and professional learning, but also for self-evaluation and reflection, even if they are a little daunting (McDonald, 2022, March 24). I am about to commence my first job as a Teacher Librarian in 2023, and will continue to use these Standards as a guiding document and framework to measure my growth.
Standard 1: Professional Knowledge
Through the course subjects, particularly ETL401, my understanding of information literacy, libraries supporting lifelong learning, literature programs, and maintaining user-centred collections has expanded tenfold. As a seasoned secondary English teacher, I feel that I have a fairly solid grasp on pedagogy, assessment practices and ICT in the classroom. As for curriculum knowledge, I need to spend time exploring different curriculum areas and developmental levels for subjects other than just English. This is important so that I can support teaching and learning programs across the school.
Standard 2: Professional Practice
So far, the only opportunity I have had to apply my theoretical learnings has been on my professional placement. Cultivating a positive, classroom learning environment has always been a priority for me, but I will need to keep learning how this happens in library spaces. I also embed digital technology throughout my lessons, but will need to develop programs that more explicitly scaffold information literacy skills. Moving forward, I need to keep developing my skills in library and information management as this is all new to me (from managing library budgets to reviewing systems and policies). I think that continuous self-evaluation, collecting evidence, and reflecting is vital to being an effective TL who is aware of both triumphs and areas for improvement.
Standard 3: Professional Commitment
Through this Master of Education, it has been wonderful to be part of a dynamic community of lifelong learners from all different backgrounds and life stages. The opportunity to engage with and learn from each other has enhanced my understanding of key content and ideas. I am an active member of SLAV and ALIA, which has introduced me to a network of TL professionals and additional learning opportunities. I have one final subject for this course that I will complete in 2023. I know that this final subject, ETL504 Teacher Librarian as Leader, will support the development of skills that will be important for my career, even though I find the concept of leadership a bit intimidating. I am excited to pursue further professional development opportunities once my Masters is complete, to make sure that I am always learning, keeping abreast of current trends, and meeting other TLs who are passionate about the impact we can have on the lives of those in our school learning communities.
Reference List:
Australian Library and Information Association & Australian School Library Association. (2004). Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians. https://read.alia.org.au/alia-asla-standards-professional-excellence-teacher-librarians
Image Source: Photo by Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash
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