Posts tagged ‘new literacies’
Policy and TL role
TLs must be leaders in their schools, TL communities and districts, in order to continue to exist, influence and enact change for the betterment of our students. I agree with the statement that TLs influence teachers and teachers influence students, though I had not really thought that before I read yesterday’s power point. In fact, I had not really thought about it at all. This makes sense to me, because at my elementary school where I am an enrolling teacher, I control my students access to the library, the librarian, and all learning resources. Because of teacher autonomy (which I believe in), rarely are my students exposed to material or content or speakers unless I approve and schedule it. In other words, my students are exposed to what I feel is important, to what I understand and feel comfortable with.
TLs in little TL groups can think and plan whatever they want, but unless the enrolling teachers are on board, their access to students is heavily restricted. In fact, it can be restricted to the short half hour before and after school (and in some cases, lunch time). Not exactly ideal for promoting literacy and teaching info lit skills.
Therefore, it is crucial that
- TLs have excellent working and personal relationships with the enrolling teachers
- the library and the TL is seen as an integral part of the school (protect our jobs, budgets, FTEs)
- TLs have an excellent working relationship with the administration
- TLs have a strong leadership role in the school
- TLs are heavily involved in all school policy making, including Pro D, budgets, information policy, etc.