4.2 Professional development
Candidates plan for ongoing professional growth.
2010 ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians
Julia Child once claimed, “You'll never know everything about anything, especially something you love.” As I embark on a new career as a school library media specialist, I am excited that my chosen field is on the cutting edge of the information age. While experts argue about the exact numbers, it is clear that the rate at which information is produced increases daily. As I aim to become an information literacy guide and expert to both students and staff, writing out a professional development plan ensures I keep looking forward to the latest innovations and best practices. My plan, developed in the course, Administration and Leadership, SLM501, focuses on three objectives: I want to become knowledgeable about my new library media center and community by seeking staff to collaboratively plan student learning and promote collaboration throughout the building; by increasing the use of technology-based research skills and information processing by students; and by planning and executing activities that encourage community and parental involvement. As stated in the plan, I envision the school library media center as the hub of the school. I want to use my skills in bringing people together around the media center, and showcase the library as the vital center of the school. I want to be the resource for technology, information, and collaboration. Inviting in staff, students, and families is the best way to do this. Keeping these three objectives as a focus will raise student achievement by bringing together the resources of staff, technology, and community support for all students.
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As a precursor to writing the plan, I completed surveys to evaluate my own leadership qualities. Analyzing my leadership style helped me define my goals and plan steps I need to take to promote a successful media center by increasing collaboration and the use of technology. In writing the plan itself, I researched many learning resources that will help me achieve my goals. One strength of the professional development plan is the gathering of these resources; this physical document can now lend a focus to refer back to. A weakness of the plan is in all the other work of the school library media specialist, the plan could get forgotten about. I think I need a “plan” to keep the plan in review, perhaps a monthly date on my calendar, but definitely a time at the end of the year to reflect on my goals, successes, and areas to improve upon. I would then revise and develop my next plan.
I learned a lot about all of the resources that I listed on the plan. I am already a member of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and the Maryland Association of School Librarians. This assignment required me to take the time to delve into the websites and learn about all the resources that are available. There are many lesson plans, advocacy toolkits, and advice centers on each of these sites. I have collected professional blogs and twitter feeds throughout the program, yet this assignment served as a reminder on the importance of maintaining and following my personal learning network throughout my career. I am a stronger and more effective school library media specialist when I learn from and share with the supportive network of professional organizations and peers. Learning from this network allows for my ongoing professional growth. A love of learning is what led me to this career, and professional development will allow me to model my excitement for learning to students and staff, as well as continually reenergize that passion for new ideas.
I learned a lot about all of the resources that I listed on the plan. I am already a member of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians, the Young Adult Library Services Association, and the Maryland Association of School Librarians. This assignment required me to take the time to delve into the websites and learn about all the resources that are available. There are many lesson plans, advocacy toolkits, and advice centers on each of these sites. I have collected professional blogs and twitter feeds throughout the program, yet this assignment served as a reminder on the importance of maintaining and following my personal learning network throughout my career. I am a stronger and more effective school library media specialist when I learn from and share with the supportive network of professional organizations and peers. Learning from this network allows for my ongoing professional growth. A love of learning is what led me to this career, and professional development will allow me to model my excitement for learning to students and staff, as well as continually reenergize that passion for new ideas.
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Revised July 2013