Summative Reflection and Conceptual Framework
The Library Media Specialist is leader, teacher, instructional partner, program administrator, and information specialist.
The coursework has prepared me to meet the challenges of each role.
Mindmap42_Roles_of_the_School_Librarian
As I build my portfolio and review my coursework, I reflect on my preparation to meet the original ALA/AALS standards for Initial Preparation of School Librarians and the standards of the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). I recognize five important roles of the Library Media Specialist – Teacher, Instructional Partner, Information Specialist, Program Administrator, and Leader.
The Towson University (TU) program in School Library Media has prepared me for a role as teacher. During ISTC789 Practicum and Portfolio, as well as during Instructional design coursework - ISTC541 and ISTC667, I wrote units for students from K-12 which I presented as lessons online or face-to-face. I explored cultural and language accessibility for diverse learners in a Children’s literature course, EDUC717, and I practiced literacy strategies during SCED518 Young Adult Literature. Coursework has prepared me to meet AASL standards for Teaching & Learning and for Literacy & Reading as well as for InTASC standards for Learner Development.
I feel ready to take on the roles of Instructional Partner and Information Specialist. Throughout the TU program I have used elements from Universal Design for Learning (UDL). During ISTC685 Research, I used colleague collaboration to improve a final instructional product. During the practicum experience (ISTC789) I was able to collaborate with teachers to support authentic student learning. In an assignment during ISTC651 Information Literacy & Access I guided teachers in ethical use of technology. Coursework prepares me to meet AASL standards for Literacy & Reading and for Information & Knowledge and InTASC standards for Content.
In the role of Program Administrator the Library Media Specialist (LMS) can meet AASL standards for Advocacy & Leadership and Program Management & Administration as well as InTASC standards for Professional Responsibility. Coursework in ISTC615 Collection Development and ISTC653 Organization of Knowledge helped me to consider factors of school population and culture of community when acquiring and curating resources and to see library space (e.g. hours, arrangement, signage) as a key point of access. Professional development opportunities that the LMS offers and instructional support for School Progress Plan (SPP) goals show that the LMS is important in the success of the school.
When aligning instruction to curriculum standards and when using a variety of assessment data to inform administrators about the value of the Library program, the LMS takes on role of program advocate and school Leader. The AASL standards for Program Management & Administration and InTASC standards for Professional Responsibility are met. My work in ISTC702 Educational Leadership & Technology investigated the LMS’s importance when supporting student learning and assessment by working with administration to develop appropriate teacher staff development. The ISTC601 School Library Administration provided an opportunity for me to plan instruction to meet particular SPP goals.
Throughout the program I have observed best teaching practices and benefited from conferring with teachers, other librarians, administrators, and those who teach the teachers. I have had the opportunity to plan authentic instructional activities that are linked to curriculum standards and to AASL standards. I feel prepared to consult with client groups and supervisors while advocating for the Library Media Program. I have ideas for marketing the value of the Library Media program by using existing data (circulation, standardized testing, and stakeholder survey information). Finally I feel that I am able to take a leader and decision-maker role within the educational environment in and outside of the Library Media Center (LMC). The Library Media Specialist is Teacher, Instructional Partner, Information Specialist, Program Administrator, and Information Specialist. The Towson University School Library Media coursework has prepared me to meet the challenges of each role.
The Towson University (TU) program in School Library Media has prepared me for a role as teacher. During ISTC789 Practicum and Portfolio, as well as during Instructional design coursework - ISTC541 and ISTC667, I wrote units for students from K-12 which I presented as lessons online or face-to-face. I explored cultural and language accessibility for diverse learners in a Children’s literature course, EDUC717, and I practiced literacy strategies during SCED518 Young Adult Literature. Coursework has prepared me to meet AASL standards for Teaching & Learning and for Literacy & Reading as well as for InTASC standards for Learner Development.
I feel ready to take on the roles of Instructional Partner and Information Specialist. Throughout the TU program I have used elements from Universal Design for Learning (UDL). During ISTC685 Research, I used colleague collaboration to improve a final instructional product. During the practicum experience (ISTC789) I was able to collaborate with teachers to support authentic student learning. In an assignment during ISTC651 Information Literacy & Access I guided teachers in ethical use of technology. Coursework prepares me to meet AASL standards for Literacy & Reading and for Information & Knowledge and InTASC standards for Content.
In the role of Program Administrator the Library Media Specialist (LMS) can meet AASL standards for Advocacy & Leadership and Program Management & Administration as well as InTASC standards for Professional Responsibility. Coursework in ISTC615 Collection Development and ISTC653 Organization of Knowledge helped me to consider factors of school population and culture of community when acquiring and curating resources and to see library space (e.g. hours, arrangement, signage) as a key point of access. Professional development opportunities that the LMS offers and instructional support for School Progress Plan (SPP) goals show that the LMS is important in the success of the school.
When aligning instruction to curriculum standards and when using a variety of assessment data to inform administrators about the value of the Library program, the LMS takes on role of program advocate and school Leader. The AASL standards for Program Management & Administration and InTASC standards for Professional Responsibility are met. My work in ISTC702 Educational Leadership & Technology investigated the LMS’s importance when supporting student learning and assessment by working with administration to develop appropriate teacher staff development. The ISTC601 School Library Administration provided an opportunity for me to plan instruction to meet particular SPP goals.
Throughout the program I have observed best teaching practices and benefited from conferring with teachers, other librarians, administrators, and those who teach the teachers. I have had the opportunity to plan authentic instructional activities that are linked to curriculum standards and to AASL standards. I feel prepared to consult with client groups and supervisors while advocating for the Library Media Program. I have ideas for marketing the value of the Library Media program by using existing data (circulation, standardized testing, and stakeholder survey information). Finally I feel that I am able to take a leader and decision-maker role within the educational environment in and outside of the Library Media Center (LMC). The Library Media Specialist is Teacher, Instructional Partner, Information Specialist, Program Administrator, and Information Specialist. The Towson University School Library Media coursework has prepared me to meet the challenges of each role.