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In what ways has this course prepared you for the real world?

I think most basically, it made me evaluate, asses, and improve my library program from every angle. It was also really useful to practice creating an action plan. I look forward to putting aspects of my action plan into motion during the 2023-2024 school year, particularly getting student ambassadors involved. I also think talking budgets helped me a little bit, since I had to muscle together a rough budget for 2023-2024 with little help from my supervisor.

The advice on how to successfully integrate into a school environment was also helpful. I try not to go to my supervisor with problems if I don't have a potential solution. Talking about the ins-and-outs of working in an institution was also helpful. I used to think that you showed up to work, and you got to be a librarian. Now I know that you show up to work to maybe be a librarian, but you also get to be a mandatory reporter, test administrator, substitute teacher, assistant to the spring musical etc.. there are a lot of moving parts that go into making a library work, and into making a school work. This semester (and really, whole MI program) prepared me to do my part in both.

A side note: I recently had my final evaluation from the Assistant Principal, and I was complimented on my level of collaboration, tech familiarity, and my relationships with the staff and students. I was sitting in the meeting thinking "oh that was all Rutgers." I've met so many bright and passionate colleagues and professors in this program. I'm grateful to have gotten to take classes and attend office hours with many of you. Good luck, see you at NJASL! :-)

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The most valuable thing I learned in this course was to try new things. There are so many incredible ideas out there for successful school library management, activities, collaboration, community connection, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming, but the beauty is we can pick and choose what we think would be best for our space. I've loved how we have all shared our experiences and ideas - they have definitely informed my student teaching and my future practice!

I used to think that pulling together all of my work and creating a sort of "brand" for myself would be difficult, but this course has helped me realize that it can actually be quite easy! There have been so many opportunities for deep reflection that have allowed me to highlight what I feel most passionate about and what I feel most proud of. Creating the field experience portfolio and reflection for 592 was a good example of this process.

I think that due to my own deep reflection and understanding of myself as a professional I feel more prepared for the "real world." I also feel like I have lots of tools I can come back to for fresh ideas and guidance!

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Closing time.. every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end...  (Laura Murphy)

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Closing time.. every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end...  (Laura Murphy)

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1. What was the most valuable thing that you learned in this course?

One of the most valuable takeaways from this course was the strategic planning information, discussions, and assignment. The strategic planning assignment and discussions regarding goal setting were extremely helpful and useful to assess the needs of the space/program and then set realistic goals for how to make changes within.

2. What was surprising to you?  (Consider this prompt: I used to think . . . , but now I think . . .)

I honestly used to think that those who could tweet all day about what’s going on in their classroom had the most time on their hands, but this semester was a big ah-ha for me about how important it is to utilize social media to grow my PLN. One of my biggest goals for next year is to use social media and my PLN not just to continue to grow professionally, but also to make my teacher librarian’s voice heard and share the magic that is happening. I probably have close to 200 pictures of students doing fantastic things in the library and media center already, but have yet to post a single one to my professional Twitter account. I think my own insecurities have often prevented me from posting or created roadblocks, but this semester has helped me to work through those. I no longer see those who utilize social media as ‘weak teachers’ and instead see them as teachers who are extending their experiences beyond their own eyes.

3. In what ways has this course prepared you for the real world?

Considering my field experience was actually “the real world”, I guess all I can say to everyone who isn’t in it yet is to get excited. This has definitely been the most challenging year of my life, but the journey has been incredible and I can’t wait to see what next year brings. Like I mentioned before, strategic planning was extremely helpful and useful in assessing the needs of the space/program and then setting realistic goals for how to make changes within. I also think that giving yourself a significant amount of grace as you work through the first year is also important.

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I think that the most valuable thing I learned in the course was seeing how all of the coursework in the School Library track intersect and connect here. This course was a really great blend of all of the different classes, without feeling like it was a superficial recap. We took these topics to new levels of discussion and practice. It was valuable because it is easy to get lost in the tasks without really processing the bigger picture. Bringing us back to different topics through the lens of being in a school library helped to make those connections from class to practice much more solid. I think I also the emphasis and examples of leadership were valuable because it has helped to start shift my mindset from graduate student to new librarian. Leadership looks like a lot of different activities in the library program and school, and reading about and learning from various leaders has shaped that evolving understanding.

I used to think that I needed to have all the answers or solutions to be a good librarian. I now think that struggles do not equal failure. What I have seen in discussions, readings, and viewings this semester is that not everything is going to be a home run. Not every library space you walk into is going to be a perfect one, and you can still create a meaningful program. There is always room for growth and improvement is part of the process. I think that I have come out of the program knowing that being a school librarian is a marathon, not a sprint.

I believe that this course really helped me become prepared for the advocacy work required to be a school librarian. By completing the Assignments and learning deeply about the school I was doing my field experience, I felt as though I was capable of making cases and defending them with both my own observations and sources and data. Being able to make these decisions and put together cases for a school library program will be an asset in professional practice. As a school librarian, I know I will have to navigate conversations with administrators and board members about the library program, and doing this work with the opportunity to practice and get feedback has created a framework to take with me to a job. I also think that the career discussions such as types of resumes and interview experiences have helped me prepare for the “real world.”

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The most important thing I learned in this course is how much of a leadership role the school librarian can have. Other classes have discussed this idea before but this course helped to really bring that idea to life as I applied what we were learning in my field experience. Leaders not only take action and advocate, but constantly listen to the needs of those that they lead and build up support and ownership in their communities, things we will need to do to be successful in our libraries.

I used to think of the library as just a place of knowledge, but now I know it is also a place for creativity, collaboration, and innovation. School libraries have the potential to be truly dynamic and we have so much power in helping to shape our school culture and community.

There are quite a lot of things from this course that I think will help prepare me for the “real world.” One of those things were the connections I made with my classmates and Dr. V, relationships I hope to continue to nurture in my PLN as I finish out the program. My field experience was especially helpful for many reasons, most notably since I’ll be working in the other upper elementary school in my district next year and will be able carry over so many of the lessons I learned through this course. Finally, this course helped prepare me for the variety of roles that the school librarian has by presenting so much valuable information (my bookmarks list grew exponentially in this course) and opportunities for experiences.

It’s hard to believe that this chapter is really coming to a close but I’m so excited for all of us to continue forward in our professional growth and I hope our paths cross again!

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Through this course, I learned that I can expand my dreams. I am only limited by my own imagination and my own ability to reach out and collaborate. I’m looking forward to advocating for some of the ideas in my three year plan. I have always loved to use data as quantitative evidence to support my ideas, but through this course I was able to put into practice using data to tell a story and to advocate for resources and change. I am excited to continue to use data to advocate and to reach out to expand my dreams by listening to the ideas of others as well!

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I have learned so much this semester and I have bookmarked loads of our resources, which I haven't done much of in the past. I don't know that there is really just 1 thing that I could say has been helpful. It was nice to be exposed to parts of the job that I wouldn't have thought of like board presentations and PD. In my district that is not part of the MS job. In any case, as much as I appreciate all of the information we were given and taught this semester one of the things that I appreciate the most has been reading through everyone else's real world experiences. I started a K-4 job just about a month before this class started. I'm not looking to bad mouth the school or the program, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I said I wanted to be a school librarian. If it wasn't for hearing from all of you, seeing what your libraries look like and knowing that there is value in your libraries I think I would be regretting a lot of choices that I've made over the past couple of years. But... knowing that the right programs are out there have certainly been reassuring.

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The most valuable thing I learned in this course is how important the role of the school librarian is in the school. My school library has a long way to go in terms of establishing its importance to the school community, but I am committed to doing the work. It is a marathon, not a sprint. The need for collaboration is another takeaway from this course. Because I largely work alone I used to think that was the only way, but now I know that is not the case. I am working harder at making connections with teachers and other people working in the school. My stretch goal is to make more connections in math and sciences as to me they are not the “usual suspects” in terms of library collaboration. Something else I loved that sticks with me is Dr. Valenza’s suggestion to have readers for teachers. I have two pairs of my own in my desk, and think that can just be such a nice touch to offer readers for teachers to use when they are in the library. So simple and practical–readers are so cheap from the Dollar Tree!

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Right on time!- Amalia E. Butler Daniels

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Right on time!- Amalia E. Butler Daniels

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At the start of the semester, I was wishing that I had been enrolled in this course in the Fall (2022). I made the transition from public to school library last September and while much of the knowledge carries over, there are nuances and situations that are very particular to school libraries. However, as the course comes to a close, I realize that I would not have had the same experience or growth if I had taken the course in the Fall. I needed the productive struggle in order to make the connections and to gain the deeper understanding of the concepts. My biggest takeaway is to to remain a lifelong learner. There is always a new resource, strategy, technology, etc. Remaining open to learning, failing, asking for help, and trying new strategies will help me to continue to grow and (hopefully) keep a (mostly) positive outlook. I've really appreciated learning alongside and from everyone in the course. Reflecting on the different experiences was helpful in working through and re-framing some of the challenges at my library. Wishing you all the best; I hope to bump into you in the future!

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After being a public librarian for so long, I knew how to measure if my work was effective. Coming into schools, suddenly I felt like an idiot that had no idea what she was doing and no idea how to get better, haha! It's been a journey (and will continue to be one) but I understand that accurate teacher evaluations are much more complicated. I've really learned that the growth mindset and reflection are key to being a successful educator. I would love to be a fly on the wall for this class each semester. I need - and want - to be staying up with trends and developments. It’s one of the things that makes librarianship so exciting - every day is different and every year is different. I want to continue to grow my practice taking into account the school community I’m serving but also the new tools, trends, standards, theories, and more. I also want to keep in mind that my library program will always be growing - I will build upon it year after year, but also pivot and change depending on what needs to. Whether it is taking a formal course, being a part of NJASL and other organizations, following blogs, accessing webinars, and finding screencasts of new products - I must always be a student to be an excellent school librarian.

Another big takeaway is the power of the PLN. I am so grateful to have it demonstrates again and again how important it is to reach out to others in the profession. From the macro of who to follow online to the micro - the numbers of other school librarians I now have in my phone and can reach out to with a text or call.  Having my fellow students to message not just about an assignment but about the actual components of my lesson plans or behavior management strategies is so empowering. When I was a public librarian collaborating with school librarians, I remember one high school librarian telling me how good it was to talk to another librarian. She spoke of how isolating it can feel. I’ve already experienced that in my one year of school librarianship - but I’ve also experienced how it feels to talk about it with a group (Camden County Association of School Librarians) or other school librarians.

Rutgers has an incredible library program - I am certain that these 5 classes I took to complete my certification have given me the foundation I needed to be a successful school librarian.

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 ...And The Program Comes to a Close! - Alyssa Rivera

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 ...And The Program Comes to a Close! - Alyssa Rivera

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1. I've said it in a few discussions before, but my biggest takeaway is definitely Dr. V's metaphor of a library needing to be more like a kitchen than a grocery store. I am so excited about really encouraging creativity, exploration, and innovation wherever I end up and I will always keep that idea of providing "ingredients" for students to create something new with. (And the idea of a library as a kitchen can go well with a book tasting-type lesson!)
2. In a similar line to Emily M., I used to think I didn't have the life experience everyone else had and was incapable of being as good. Now, I realize that just because I haven't worked in a school doesn't make me a worse librarian. I can celebrate what I am able to accomplish, learn from others, and strive to be better every day. I am creative, I am enthusiastic, and I am knowledgeable about what I do. This makes me capable and what I may not know just yet can always be learned as long as I am open to it.
3. The real world is such a funny phrase, but it does feel true-- especially for me who will be beginning my first true full time job as a school librarian. I think this course and program overall has equipped me with the tools (and resources) and connections I need to be a successful school librarian (the amount of tools/articles/resources I have saved on my PD Wakelet is... a lot). My field experience was my first foray into the world of education as an educator and I can say I learned a lot-- both about what to do and what not to do. I think really the people I've met throughout this program whether it be peers, professors, or other professionals have inspired me to reach for the stars and I am excited for the future.

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1. My most valuable takeaway from this course was realizing that I am capable of leading a library. My ~~crippling self-doubt~~ frequently attempts to impede my success, but this course helped me feel more confident in myself as a librarian. Through the Community Scan and Needs Assessment assignments in this class, I felt the responsibility to speak honestly and openly about the school, its environment, and the needs necessary to improve the library because I knew the school so well. I would have felt differently if I worked in a hosting school because I would not have had the same level of passion and investment in the school as I do now. Connecting back to the interview tips discussion board from last week, Ric emphasized how important emphasizing passion and dedication to education and librarianship is. This also relates to my valuable takeaway because this field experience only underscored how much I want my own school library someday to lead and make a difference in that school’s community. To do so, I need confidence in myself, which I have certainly gained at my current school as an Assistant Librarian, and know I am more capable than I give myself credit for.

2. I used to think that I was never doing enough as a librarian. I used to feel as though my performance in the library amounted to nothing in comparison to the work of esteemed professionals tirelessly working in and out of the school’s walls. Yes, there are always going to be those superhero librarians that accomplish everything flawlessly and make me feel like my work means nothing, but that doesn’t mean my work means nothing. In fact, it’s always something that helps a student’s day like helping them find an article to perfect their junior capstone project or working in a space where kids feel safe and welcomed, their laughs and chatters buzzing around the library. I used to think that I wasn’t enough, but I know I just need to be the best librarian my students need. I know I’ll never be School Librarian of the Year, and that’s fine, because I know I’m already making a difference in my student’s lives. I’m doing my best and helping students stay at their best. That’s all I really need.

3. Ah, yes, the real world. Since I am in a “real world” job as a librarian, I have definitely noticed how our course comes into practice. For instance, I can use the Needs Assessment and Board Presentation to advocate for changes in the library and more effectively communicate these needs. This course greatly applied to the work I currently do in my library, and I’m grateful to have had these two experiences overlap.

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I am not sure I can narrow down my biggest takeaway from this semester. The Field Experience was something I wasn't looking forward to, mainly because I am already stretched pretty thin and was worried about how I was going to complete the hours. I am so thankful to have been able to get into the library and learn from someone with experience and show me things I didn't realize were a part of the position.

I was not aware just how independent and creative the library media specialist needs to be in order to support and succeed. This actually excites me because I enjoy having a bit of control over my work.

I have been working in the real world for quite a while but am not naïve enough to think there isn't more I can learn. I am for sure someone who learns by doing and interviews well, but I have gained more insight into the library world which will help me in the future.

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1. What was the most valuable thing that you learned in this course? It was all valuable! I learned about every aspect of running a school library, from collection development to operations to lesson planning. I would say that even though I found it to be challenging, building lessons around Guided Inquiry was incredibly valuable to me and helped paint a vision of the future as a school librarian.

2. What was surprising to you?  (Consider this prompt: I used to think . . . , but now I think . . .) I used to think that I was incredibly far behind my fellow students and of course my professors. But now I see that librarians lead many lives and have operated in different capacities. The librarians who taught me in my classes are different from the librarians I work with every day. We are learners teaching learners!

3. In what ways has this course prepared you for the real world?

I have felt prepared for the real world for my very first class. This program was honest about the challenges of finding and retaining a school librarian job and I’m thankful for my field experience so I can see that it’s challenging but possible!

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My biggest takeaway this semester has been that good intentions are just that….intentions. Starting with as much information as possible, considering the possibilities and potential tools to utilize, and getting others excited and involved in what you are doing are all essential components of a stellar plan. However, you can learn about something all day, but until you actually experience it, or put that learning to use, your learning is not complete! I’m a planner through and through, but through the course of the semester, I’ve learned that taking the plunge and doing the things I’m learning about is the very best way to complete my learning. This is also something that I want to consider when working with students- I will need to step back and give them the freedom to fail so that they learn not just what to do, but how to do. I’m obviously nervous, but also very excited, to get started in a library of my own!