ADVOCACY AND LEADERSHIP

Candidates advocate for dynamic school library programs and positive learning environments that focus on student learning and achievement by collaborating and connecting with teachers, administrators, librarians, and the community. Candidates are committed to continuous learning and professional growth and lead professional development activities for other educators. Candidates provide leadership by articulating ways in which school libraries contribute to student achievement.

Elements

4.1 Networking with the Library Community

4.2 Professional Development

4.3 Leadership

4.4 Advocacy

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(American Association of School Librarians. (2010). ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians. [online] Available at: http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aasleducation/schoollibrary/2010_standards_with_rubrics_and_statements_1-31-11.pdf [Accessed 26 Jun. 2019].)

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My accomplishments in this area...

In this day and age, it is pertinent that we, as school librarian, fight for what we know is right and true. We have to show others our value consistently over time. Therefore, I will continue to attend and support school librarian organizations such as VAASL, AASL, ALA, etc. In fact, as I grow and learn in the position, I would like to become a regular presenter at these meetings and conferences to help others in the knowledge I have gained. I will attend others’ presentations and workshops to stay abreast of any and all changes in the field, and bring back what I have learned to use in our own school community. Furthermore, I will take special care to provide opportunities to our faculty and staff to prove my value; I want them to see me as an integral part of the school; I hope they can’t live without my help! They don’t need to know the ins and outs of how I make the library work; they just need to know that I keep it running efficiently and consistently while providing collaboration opportunities that help all of us grow in our craft.