Before I became interested in working in a school library, my understandings of the role of the TL in schools was that they had the job to check books in and out of circulation, buy new resources for the school, run literacy events like Book Week and National Simultaneous Storytime and teach.

However, my understanding of the TL continues to broaden as my months and years in the role, roll on. I was at last minute thrust into the position as the TL obtained a permanent TL position in another school. I was literally given a 30minute quick lesson of how to use Oliver/ Orbit. That’s it! I literally barely had a clue of what it took to manage a library aside from how I return and loan books out. But I knew it was so much more than that.

It took me years to feel comfortable in the role and to feel like I could adequately be of good assistance to the teachers asking queries and the students requiring specific help. I attended conferences and local network meetings (when that was a thing pre-covid) where I started to gain a deeper understanding of what a TL does and not just my perception of what one does.

But prior to me just being plonked into the position (which now I am so grateful I was), I was a classroom primary school teacher. I had taken my classes into the Library where I would assist my students to select books and worked with students who required help in the lesson. I saw the Teacher Librarian do the “return/borrow” and then run an inquiry skills based/ IT lesson relating to the history syllabus.

I saw that the TL was a leader in the school and that they were someone who had excellent management skills to have so many classes in a day. I envied their ability to collaborate efficiently with a large volume of teaching staff to meet their resourcing requirements. And I admired their broad knowledge and skills about what suited readers- whether they were an avid reader or someone just at the beginning of their reading journey. I always noticed how much the students just loved visiting the school library. In that time, I began to gain a full appreciation about the diversity of the TL’s job and the importance the Library had in the school community. I started to understand that it was the job of the TL to be like the core of the school. And that’s exactly where I think the school library stands and the job of the TL.

I believe a TL is a teacher, a leader, a manager, a resourcer, a researcher, a consultant, an accountant, a detective, an IT facilitator and a much valued staff member in the school.

The Library is a place where all students and teachers belong. It’s a community space and that is invaluable and powerful. And this is when I realised this is the place I want to be.

This was my first night on a zoom session for ETL401 and it was so nice to see faces and know that so many others are feeling the same way. Throughout last week, I felt utterly overwhelmed after not studying for almost 15 years. It was comforting that people have similar aspirations and abilities. Just thought I’d share.. #newblogger # excited #overwhelmed #comforted #experimenting #icandothis

Picture from The Scholarly Kitchen

I am an experienced Primary School Teacher of 14 years. Throughout my career thus far, I have been in a range of positions such as Classroom Teacher, Learning & Support Teacher (LAST), English as an additional language or dialect teacher (EALD), Aboriginal Education Resource Teacher (AERT). I am now a current practicing Relieving TL. This is my 5^th year in the role and I comprehensively delight in working in a learning environment which delivers cross-curriculum content in a stimulating setting.

I have worked in a variety of socio-economic settings and know just how important school libraries are for children who do not have access to quality literature at home. I am an advocate for making sure that no child goes without a book at home.

I have assisted in providing books to help set up school libraries in Fiji and Africa. After visiting a school in Fiji, I was so inspired by the teachers and students and the school itself.  I interacted with wonderment and awe. I felt compelled to tell all my students about what I had witnessed.

My passions are around exposing children to the rich world of literature. I LOVE storytelling and cherish in times where students can share in the joy and art of storytelling. I want to continue to instil a love of learning and reading. I believe that this love starts from a very young age. I want to be responsible for continuing to make the Library a place that is for all to share and where everyone belongs.

My hope and dream is upon the completion of my Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) is to continue my teaching as a TL but also have a network of colleagues to share skills and knowledge with. I also hope to be an Indigenous leader in my field. I am proud of my heritage and am working on building capacity around Aboriginal educational resources within my school so that all students and teachers alike can have access to up-to-date material.