1 Professional knowledge
To meet professional knowledge requirements to become an excellent teacher librarian (Australian Library and Information Association, 2016), I would like to undertake professional development to gain a better understanding of the application of the information fluency framework and my understanding of phonics to assist with improving library programs. Modelling the characteristics of a lifelong learner who enjoys reading widely and searching for information inspires students to find their spark to do the same. Guiding students on the path to developing their own interests within and outside of the curriculum develops lifelong learners. In a fast-paced workforce, becoming a lifelong learner, feeling out of your comfort zone into the unknown prepares students to become 21st century learns who will be prepared for the future.
2 Professional practice
To meet professional practice requirements to become an excellent teacher librarian, I need to engage in professional development understanding how to undertake research which informs evidence-based innovation in school library programs. Having introduced online databases, eBooks and significantly improving the physical collection and space, students have access to credible and reliable information for research and inquiry. They can also develop their ICT skills when using these resources. The policies and procedures for the library can be refined to provide further detail and to ensure they are up to date and another teacher librarian can step in using these if required.
3 Professional commitment
To meet professional commitment requirements to become an excellent teacher librarian, I need to actively engage in school leadership and participate in key committees. I do provide leadership within the teacher librarian domain, however I could extend to other areas within the school to create new connections with staff and a greater involvement in wider activities within the College. I am actively engaged within the teacher librarian community via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and my blog to positively convey the myriad of ways we contribute to student wellbeing, critical & creative thinking, literacy and educational outcomes.
While I have seen a huge difference in the ways students use and access information and literature in the library, it would be beneficial for ongoing student evaluations of learning to provide evidence of progress in information literacy and reading. At key stages, I will incorporate this into the programming using the information fluency framework (NSW Department of Education, 2023). This will enable me to monitor the skills of students as they progress and adjust teaching to meet the needs of students and to improve outcomes.
Sharing knowledge and ideas is vital to continue to grow as an information specialist, particularly when working as the solo teacher librarian. I enjoyed meeting other teacher librarians at the study visits and have maintained connections with some of them. Charles Sturt University could engage students via LinkedIn in a group or page to facilitate ongoing discussions and support. NSW public teacher librarians benefit from a discussion chat and being an independent teacher librarian I do not have access to it. It seems a shame that while we are doing the same job in the same state, we cannot communicate that way and there isn’t another alternative for me.
I do urge teacher librarians to join LinkedIn and to participate in that professional domain, highly visible to leadership across schools, states and countries leading to unknown opportunities. While initially daunting, sharing our expertise and educating others about the essential work we do can bring only positive things for teacher librarians to change the narrative from saving teacher librarians to being proud of being a teacher librarian and how we benefit society.
References
Australian Library and Information Association. (2016, May 18). ALIA-ASLA standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians [Text]. ALIA Library. https://read.alia.org.au/alia-asla-standards-professional-excellence-teacher-librarians
NSW Department of Education. (2023). Information fluency framework. https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/media/documents/Information_fluency_framework.pdf