COLLABORATION:  Keys to Success - Principal Involvement

The principal is key to the success of the school library program. Scheduling, development of the school climate, planning time, professional development opportunities, and articulation of the role of the teacher-librarian are administrative decisions that can make a difference.


Professional Articles that may promote discussions between you and your principal on your role as teacher-librarian in the school.

"What Works?" from Teacher-Librarian

"Principal Support: What does it mean for teacher-librarians?" by Dr. Dianne Oberg (1995, University of Alberta)

 Principal Support for the Information Literacy Program by Rick Mulholland (University of Alberta paper for capping requirements). His research points to a correlation between principal support and student achievement through viable information literacy programs. This is a thoughtful read for school-based and division-based administrators as well as other staffing/funding decision-makers.
 

Principal Reading

The principal reading to the school from a Willow Award selection.

 Principal Support for the School Library Program
 The principal can provide support by :
  • understanding the role of the teacher-librarian and the components of the school library program.  link...
  • selecting individuals for the role that are qualified (when possible), experienced with curriculum, and willing to accept the challenges of leadership.  link...
  • providing the teacher-librarian with flexible scheduling for their timetable. more...
  • collaborating with the teacher-librarian to create a budget plan that will ensure the acquisition of resources to meet the current and future needs of curriculum in the school.
  • encouraging all teachers in the school to become involved with collaboratively planned and taught instruction and to access the expertise of the teacher-librarian in acquiring resources for instruction.
  • including the library in all school-based curriculum initiatives as well as the goals for the school.
  • providing leadership and support for a Needs Assessment of the school library program. RTF   PDF
  • providing adequate clerical support and encouraging volunteers.
  • meeting regularly with the teacher-librarian to discuss current program needs and future directions. Discussion Questions: RTF   PDF
 The Teacher-Librarian can demonstrate the role by:
  • meeting regularly with the principal.
  • meeting with other teams (grade level or instructional PLC's) in the school.
  • requesting opportunities to speak at staff meetings.
  • becoming involved in arranging and providing in-service in the school.
  • taking opportunities to take in-service training as an instructional leader.
  • sharing professional development information, needs, and ideas with the principal.
  • encouraging staff to include collaborative planning with the TL as part of their own professional growth.
  • modeling and encouraging experimentation with a variety of instructional strategies.
  • assisting staff to interpret curriculum into their instruction.
  • providing information for the school and community newsletters.

Reflective Practitioner

Reflect: Does your role as teacher-librarian need to be improved? Would an improved understanding of your role by the principal help your action plan? 
Celebrate: Use one of the checklists or the Competencies document to determine your strengths and contributions that you are making to the school program.
Act: Use your strengths and accomplishments to scaffold to the new initiatives you would like to implement. Plan how you and the principal can be more effective by working together.
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Last Update: 19-Sep-2005 5:12 PM