Vision of the Future Library Learning, Leading and Legacy Prepared By: Jennifer Tagg Teacher-Librarian at EMP School

  The role of the teacher-librarian is changing to accommodate 21st century learning, digital literacy and progressive technology. TRUE OR FALSE? TRUE! Teacher-librarians are following an unspoken manifesto that is changing the way students learn, thereby increasing their opportunities and capacities for knowledge and skill transformation. http://teacherlibrarian.com/2011/05/01/manifesto-for-21st-century-teacher- librarians/

Teacher-librarians are providing programs and services that enhance and elevate learning tasks.

School libraries offer spaces that are welcoming, accessible and dynamic. Libraries can be learning hubs, gathering spots, meeting places, event venues, places of refuge and vibrant collaboration settings.

Teacher-librarians support students and staff and promote curriculum competencies. https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/

School library programs can be customized to meet the needs of the patrons and complement academic pursuits and District priorities. Teacher-librarians play an integral role in shaping and nurturing the school culture and learning community.

Building a strong library program takes time, energy and thoughtful planning. Investing in teacher-librarians has a direct impact on student learning, school culture and staff collaboration. The work of teacher-librarians is important, distinct and essential toward school efficacy and instructional achievement. Teacher-librarians can engage learners, support colleagues and contribute to school spirit and culture.

Teacher-librarians contribute to a legacy of lifelong learning scaffolded by skills and experiences and guided by student-centered curiosity, interest and imagination.

To continue to improve aspects of my library program and increase the integration of technology, the following elements will be included in my 2018-2019 yearly plan: Adding a “library tab” to the school website (where parents can contact me directly, families can browse the library catalogue/OPAC, where links to literacy tasks can be shared and where reading strategies and reading challenges can be promoted). Introducing a coding club one lunch-hour a week (using ScratchJR Program) Presenting STEM sessions one lunch-hour a week (K-3 students rotating throughout the year) Scheduling time each Term for our K-3 students to access and browse Digital Books (the District has purchased licensing for the myON program and student profiles are set up). Scheduling Collaboration/Co-Teaching time (My schedule for 2018-2019 school year will provide 2 hours every Monday afternoon for collaborative sessions to support classroom teachers. After a brief discussion at our last staff meeting, I will likely be supporting teachers in implementing aspects of the Social Studies and Applied Design, Skills & Technologies curriculum. While teachers already meet for Grade Group Collaboration, this will provide another level of partnership among staff). Meeting with the other teacher-librarians in the local area to talk about our libraries, programs and priorities moving forward. We met once in the Spring and the session was meaningful and memorable in forging our professional associations and personal comradery. Offering inquiry-based learning tasks that support District directives and visions and also encourage greater student engagement and interest.

Focusing on these additional elements will continue to shape the library culture and also offer learning that is exciting and enticing for our K-3 students.

Pushing the boundaries of the library expectations will further promote the value and versatility of the library within the school culture. Offering new and innovative activities Increasing the student use of technology and technology-related applications Continuing to support and collaborate with colleagues Continuing to create a space within the school that is dynamic and diverse but also familiar and consistent Modeling inquiry-based tasks and spearheading learning sequences Pursuing professional development with other teacher-librarians in my local community Evolving my practice as a teacher-librarian through coursework, workshops, conferences, and self-directed learning

“The best way to predict the future is to create it”

References: http://teacherlibrarian.com/2011/05/01/manifesto-for-21st-century- teacher-librarians/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va5mo6ik2_M https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/ http://www.tagxedo.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKj6NT0KGOo