ETL 401 - Module 1

At the risk of exposing myself to harsh criticism, I don't think I've ever really given the role of the school library (and those that work in it) the credit that it deserves. Whilst I've been a secondary English teacher for the past eight years, I honestly don't think that I've ever taken full advantage of what the library has to offer ... and if I have under valued this resource how many others are also guilty of this?

I have always thought that I encouraged a RBL environment within my classes, yet the reality of timelines, assessment and report writing have prevented me from using this model effectively. And whilst our fabulous library staff have always been quick to offer their support and assistance, I've previously thought that this involved handing over control of my classes.

The reality is that it's got nothing to do with control. Achieving the most effective learning environment for our students is about working together in a collaborative partnership; classroom teachers and teacher-librarians planning and facilitating programs together.

I believe that one of the biggest problems facing teacher-librarians is that their role is not effectively defined and/or promoted in schools (at least this is the case of the school where I teach). Principals and curriculum coordinators must play a leading role in motivating staff to make full use of this invaluable resource. Time must then be dedicated to reviewing existing programs to create more meaningful learning opportunities. Otherwise I fear that the presence of teacher-librarians will continue to decline and ultimately it will be the students who will suffer most.

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't concerned about my future as a teacher-librarian. I believe that I have a lot to offer the profession, but I am ever mindful of a more radical change, within the education sector, being necessary to ensure the security of my future career.