Month: March 2024

The Teacher Librarian as a Leader

 

As I begin my final subject, ‘Teacher Librarian as Leader’, I reflect on the essence of leadership even before delving deep into the course material. What immediately comes to mind is what leadership isn’t. It isn’t about assuming you possess all the solutions. It isn’t about needing to dictate every action and oversee every detail. It certainly isn’t about believing your voice is the only one that matters within the team, with your directives being unquestionable. I have had experience as a leader within the Early Childhood sector. I know that my knowledge and skills will be drawn upon as I become a Teacher Librarian within a primary school community.

As I embark on this course, my curiosity about the essence of effective leadership is piqued. I believe exemplary leaders inspire their peers, leading by example rather than mere words. Their actions align seamlessly with their words, embodying the principle of ‘do as I do, not just as I say.’ They foster a collaborative environment where every voice is heard and valued. They possess a forward-thinking mindset, envisioning the school’s trajectory in the 21st century. They don’t settle for past achievements but also recognise and commend the hard work of teachers, support staff, and fellow leaders.

Even though I am at the beginning of my teacher librarian career, I recognise the pivotal role I can play in guiding staff toward embracing 21st-century curriculum practices. I look forward to balancing responsibilities and bridging between providing curriculum support and classroom instruction while also navigating emerging learning technologies, literacies, and resources. Effective leadership entails staying rooted in the present while keeping a keen eye on current and future trends to remain attuned and pertinent in an ever-evolving landscape.

Leading from the middle

In Module 1, we were encouraged to ponder upon significant figures who have left a mark on our professional and educational paths. As an Early Childhood Teacher and Director of services, I have crossed paths with individuals who have served as priceless informal mentors. Their leadership attributes, which I deem integral to their efficacy, included:

  • Mastery of their craft
  • Passionate dedication
  • Creativity in problem-solving
  • Attentive listening skills
  • Reflective practice
  • A servant-minded approach
  • Peace-making abilities
  • Willingness to experiment and acknowledge errors
  • Openness and generosity
  • A sense of humour

Upon further exploration of the module reading content, I’ve discerned a common thread among these mentors—they predominantly held informal leadership positions. This realisation is empowering as I contemplate my potential as an informal leader in my future role as a teacher librarian. Looking back, I now understand that they embodied the concept of ‘leading from the middle,’ a previously unfamiliar notion.

Anticipating my future as a teacher librarian in a primary school, I approach it with a keen awareness of my unique position within the school community. It’s a ‘bird’s-eye’ view, as Cox and Korodaj (2019) aptly describe it. I’m filled with enthusiasm about exploring how I can leverage this perspective to create a meaningful and positive impact on the community.

References

Cox, E. & Korodaj, L. (2019). Leading from the sweet spot: Embedding the library and the teacher librarian in your school community. Access, 33(4), 14-25.