-Creating a three year strategic plan for the library. It’s not something I necessarily would have thought about it’s so important. School libraries are so foreign to me but we focused on so many different aspects of the position and environment that I feel more confident than when I did in the beginning of the semester. I think a contributing factor is taking this course while doing the field experience. The course and the information is so much more relevant and accessible when I can see it being used and talk about it with someone who is doing it.     

-Focusing on the school standards, what they are, mean, and how to use them was really important for me. I’m not super confident when it comes to building curriculum around so many different standards but spending so much time on the AASL standards I now feel like I at least have a firm understanding of the library standards. 

-Thinking about the different ways to engage students in the library. I love the idea of students doing research and picking books, opening new book boxes, leaving post messages about ideas for the library. I’ll take these ideas where every I end, public or school library.  

-I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed the School Environment Scan and Needs Assessment and Action Plan. I was able to learn so much about the district, the schools, the community, and staff through these assignments. I’ll use the subtopics from the School Environment Scan to get an idea of a school and the district when looking for a future school library positions. They’re really great areas to look into about a school. 

AHA #2 - We need to educate our administrators and teachers about the National School Library Standards.  The more I talk to other librarians, the more I hear complaints about outdated curriculum.  In my own district, we are currently referred to as “book goddesses.”  We 

are told to use the NJ Student Learning Standards for ELA and Technology in our plans.  Next year, I will be inviting my administrators to attend NJASL so they can learn firsthand about the standards.  

AHA #3 - Through our collection development, readers advisory and lessons in the library, we can have an impact on our communities by promoting tolerance, kindness and respect for all.  The mission and vision statements give us the opportunity to verbalize these thoughts.  My library does not currently have a mission statement or a vision statement, but it is something I will be pursuing with my library colleagues in the district.

The most valuable thing I learned in this course is that my network does not have to be in my physical space. I am so happy that I began my first job while taking this course. If not, I might have ran back to my old job and given up on my dream! I have learned that the world of teacher librarians is powerful and helpful. I will continue to monitor social media and blogs regularly. I will continue to seek help from other media specialists. This is by far the most wonderful thing from this semester.

Prepared for the real world: 

While I am currently in the “real world”, this course has given me the tools I need to survive it! I understand now that I cannot do it all at once. I think the presentation tools and an understanding of how to build relationships has been really helpful. The take it slow advice that has been fed to me all semester is so important.

Personal Learning Network!  My first takeaway that has really carried throughout the whole program, but was cemented in 575 is that the school library community supports all of its members.  While I will no longer have the comfort blanket of being an MI student, I will have the PLN that I started and will continue to grow.  This will be a source for continued growth, experienced support, and incredible inspiration.  The librarians we met at the hangouts and through the playlists attest to that.  I have no doubt that I will be seeing many of my 575 classmates out there providing that same leadership to which I refer.  I have always been shy about putting myself out there, but I hope that you too will see me participating as a contributing member of the vast support system.

Plan!  The school library media specialist has numerous responsibilities that defy outside assumptions and narrow views of the profession.  Therefore, strategic planning not only keeps you on target, but it also provides insight to those who should know the value of the library program you are building and supporting.  I will remember not to plan alone.  It is important to gather data, get feedback, and build a team that will move the library program forward.  And I will refer to the AASL Standards for guidance.  They are the product of years of experience and evolution.

Mission and Vision!  This was the first time I really understood the practice of developing mission and vision statements.  The process of creating these guiding statements for assignment 2 put me in the state of mind to thoughtfully and sincerely consider my goals for the school library program.  Established mission and vision statements can provide a north star when needed.  They can focus our efforts as we plan and execute all aspects of the library program.  They set the overall goal.  Also, S.M.A.R.T Goals… this was a new concept to me and I appreciated the introduction. 

Thanks so much Dr. Valenza.  Thanks so much everyone. This has been a whirlwind of learning! I appreciate all of you!

 

Another useful tool that I learned was what to bring and do during an interview. I have been on interviews before but none for a school. Interviews could be intimidating but with the useful tips, I will feel better when entering my first interview. 

 

This course has prepared me in multiple ways for the real world. It helped me realize what it takes to manage a school library. I learned new tools that would be helpful. I also found new people to follow on social media through our lectures each week. 

The lesson that will continue to resonate for me is not necessarily one that I learned this semester, but it is one that over the duration of this program has grown in importance for me: balance. With all things, seek balance. Whether it’s building a collection and development policy or designing a new website for the library or collaborating on a professional development workshop, seek balance. I hope when I lead a library that I will find a balance between noise and silence, a balance between generifying and DDS, a balance between building my collection and spending wisely. 

Finally, the last takeaway I’d like to share is about all of you. We are in this together. We are the future of our profession, and our profession is only as strong as we make it. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work with such dedicated and passionate professionals and I look forward to working alongside of you as we continue on this library journey!