Teacher librarians and Principals share so many similarities in their roles – they are both leaders! Whilst Principals lead their school and manage educators, administrators, ancillary staff and students alike, they also lead a culture of learning, positive education and relationships, and foster an engaging, culturally inclusive learning environment. Teacher Librarians play a vital role in supporting the same individuals the principal governs (or manages, for want of a better word!). TLs collaborate with heads of faculties to accommodate an across the curriculum approach to inquiry learning and should be involved with the development of inquiry learning pedagogy (Lupton, 2014), as they as gifted with a ‘bird’s-eye view of the curriculum’ (Lupton, 2014, p8). This shared practice provides teachers with access to specialist advice when it comes to creating assessment and units of work, and provides valued support in including general capabilities throughout the curriculum. TLs also maintain a well-resourced library collection and keep abreast of the persistent changes to technology and the digital world. TLs also promote a love of learning, reading and inquiry-based learning, and I as I continue to write this, it is hard to fathom that a Principal does not hold his/her TL in the highest regard! TLs should communicate regularly with their Principal to showcase the fabulous work they do and suggest other innovative ways they can further their role in the school. Kachel suggest that it is important to gauge the Principal’s vision and be familiar with his/her goals, and work with these goals to work synergistically (Kachel, 2017). I’m not sure I am keen to stalk my Principal on Facebook or social media, (as Kachel suggests!), but I do think establishing an honest and open relationship with your Principal will show him/her that you are there to make his school a better place, and that you are not only supportive of their work, but they also recognise and value the invaluable work that you do too.

Kachel, D. (2017). The principal and the librarian: Positioning the school library program. Teacher Librarian, 45(1), 50-52.

Lupton, M. (2016). Adding value: Principals’ perceptions of the role of the teacher librarian. School. Libraries Worldwide.22/1 49-61