WOW! This presentation by Karen Bonanno  A profession at the tipping point (revisited)  resonated with me on so many levels. As I am only in my second year as a Teacher Librarian (TL) the feeling of starting at a school where it was obvious the library and TL had been severely devalued and was at risk of becoming an endangered species is still very fresh and raw.

After watching this clip I felt a sense of pride and achievement (even though in the big scheme of things I still have a mountain to climb). I have been working on my brand by making sure I share with colleagues my vision for the library and how I support teachers and students (Bonanno, 2011). I feel I have been focused on my goals and have been able to realine when necessary to achieve these (Bonanno, 2011). For example, reflecting on my programs and making sure my content and teaching strategies are effectively and efficiently allowing students to reach their outcomes and if not, realigning to ensure outcomes were achieved.

I feel if we let it happen TLs could very easily become an endangered species but this can all be avoided. We, as TLs, need to be active participants in applying the appropriate strategies that will prove to the school community what an invaluable resource school librarians are thus avoiding extinction!

Reference

Bonanna, K. (2011). ASLA 2011. Karen Bonanno, Keynote speaker: A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan [Video File]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/31003940