First rung - ETL401 - Principals and TLs

Principals and TLs

Many of the reading have stressed that it is the TL (or media specialist), not the Principal, that has the responsibility to start discussions in regard to developing collaborative learning programs between the TL’s and the teachers within the school environment.

The abilities that TL’s exhibit have contributed to improving student learning outcomes, confirming that students can benefit from TLs who create and implement effective  library programs. This should not come as a surprise to school principals, as TLs and education Librarians have existed for quite some time and their skills have been developing over that time, they have not just suddenly arrived. Besides they hired them they, (principals) should know what they are capable of.

I have known Librarians/TLs who have large staff and bigger operating budgets than educational managers, but are still not treated by Directors /Principles as any more than manipulators of texts and ignore their actual abilities. In reality, as stated by Oberg, numerous ‘Principals aren't even aware of the potential of the teacher librarian’. On the reverse side some Directors /Principles go out of their way to support and encourage TLs to do everything in their power to influence and improve student learning outcomes.        

Librarians and TLs are introverted by nature, we (on this forum) and elsewhere tell each other what we can do and achieve but are we telling those who can make a difference, to our field and from us to the students.

Everhart, N. (2006). Principals' evaluation of school librarians: A study of strategic and nonstrategic evidence-based approaches. School Libraries Worldwide, 12(2), 38-51.

Farmer, L. (2007). Principals: Catalysts for collaboration. School Libraries Worldwide, 13(1), 56-65.

Hartzell, G., (2002) 'What's It Take?' (presented at the Washington White House Conference on School Libraries)

Haycock, K. (2007). Collaboration: Critical success factors for student learning. School Libraries Worldwide, 13(1), 25-35.

Morris, B. J., & Packard, A. (2007). The principal's support of classroom teacher-media specialist collaboration. School Libraries Worldwide, 13(1), 36-55.

Oberg, D. (2006). Developing the respect and support of school administrators. Teacher Librarian, 33(3), 13-18.