Taking Stock

I've been doing lots and lots of professional reading: Web 2.0 tools, media specialist as information literacy cheerleader and staff developer, collaboration, and other timely topics that concern our profession. The readings have helped me define and refine my role as an elementary media specialist.

For the past two months, I've been sharing a particular address in the blogosphere with other media specialists taking a professional development course on library advocacy and critical issues facing our profession. I've learned how diverse our school environments are- Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kuwait. I've learned that our challenges are similar- and different. I've learned that we are all problem- solvers, willing to learn new skills in order to enhance teaching and learning.

People outside the world of libraries don't seem to understand the role the library media specialist can play as an educator. Unfortunately, these outsiders often include our principals and administrators- the very people who should be standing in our corners, cheering us on.

We work hard NOT to be invisible. We do this by providing staff development, participating in curriculum development and revision, becoming members of technology committees and collaborating with our colleagues in the classroom to enhance student achievement.

I was a teacher first- English, grades 7- 12 and then elementary classroom teacher. The readings and especially the lively discussions that I've participated in during these last 2 months have helped me understand the other hats I wear: as instructional partner, as information specialist and as staff developer.

As I reflect on what I've learned lately, I come back to this fact: as I strive to learn new skills, I have to integrate only those technology tools that best support learning, rather than adopt a technology because it is the latest thing.