School Librarians as Teacher Leaders

Young, Alice

CA-Who Decides
CA-Written Curriculum

School Librarians as Teacher Leaders.
Church, A. R. (2011). School Librarians as Teacher Leaders. Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 77(3), 10-12.

School librarians of the 21st century have much to offer. The 21st-century school librarian serves as teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, program administrator, and leader within the school. The author suggests that today's school librarian, as an active member of the school's instructional staff, is a leader for teaching and learning and provides concrete examples of library leadership in action. The author suggests that today’s school librarian, as an active member of the school’s instructional staff, is a leader for teaching and learning and provides concrete examples of library leadership in action.

As teacher, the school librarian leads by teaching students to become information literate, to be able to access, evaluate, and use information. As an instructional partner, the school librarian takes the initiative to collaborate with classroom teachers to provide authentic learning experiences for students. The librarian models teamwork, is proactive, and co-plans, co-teaches, and co-evaluates student work with classroom teacher colleagues. As information specialists, the school librarian leads in the effective integration and use of information technology. As program administrator, the school librarian leads by providing a stimulating learning environment both in the physical library space and virtually. As leader, the school librarian is an instructional leader of the school community, serving on various committees. The author provides very useful descriptions for the school librarian contribution, participation, and the roles they may offer overall. The author’s outline offers a structure pathway on understanding the value of the school librarian.