Talking to your principal
From MSLA SIG
From: Anne-Marie Gordon
Subject: HIT: First meeting with new principal
Hi, folks. My original question: "Hi, folks. My new building principal has set up times to meet with staff so she can get to know everybody. I get 15 minutes of her undivided attention. If you had such an opportunity, what would you emphasize about your program?"
I met with my new principal today, and we had a nice conversation about my role supporting staff and students as learners, extending library hours, collaboration, and technology. Oh, and the possibility of her wearing a striped top hat for Dr. Seuss' birthday!
Thanks as always for your help! For the sake of completeness, I've listed the replies I got from other school librarians on Twitter at the end of this list.
Here are the replies I received from LM_Net.
--your role in supporting the teaching and learning in the bldg
--the purpose of a school library
--how you collaborate with teachers
--the importance of the fostering of positive relationships with ALL staff for the benefit of the children
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I would ask her about her library priorities....about her wishes for library programs. I would ask her how much support I could expect from her... Meanwhile pushing my agenda (subtly, of course. I would let her know what she could expect from me.. If I had my druthers the principal would speak more than I would -- I would want to know her (what to expect - what to be cautious about, etc.). I already know what I want.
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I would ask her what is her vision for the library - her expectations. I would subtly try to emphasize the four roles of the teacher/librarian - teacher, collaborator, information specialist and program administrator. I would try to highlight some of my strengths and things I have done -- hard to get in in 15 minutes. We had a new principal start this year, of course this was over the summer, but he asked for anyone who wanted to to come and talk with him. My partner and I (I am in a middle school now) went in and I really think that set the tone for the year. He has been very supportive. Another thing we did was speak to him about some things we wanted to try this year and we got his support immediately. I think the idea that we were being proactive and discussing things went a long way. Good luck
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Hi, I would focus on collaboration with teachers on delivering curriculum while integrating research and information skills, and your support to reading and content curriculum areas through collection development when purchasing/weeding/display/booktalks/reading of the titles, etc. You want to be seen as a teacher who runs the library. Also, don't forget to mention special events like Read Across America, National Book Week, etc. that you might do for the whole school to promote reading.
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I don't know how your schedule or school is, but the Special Classes (Art, Music, PE, Library) are planning time at my school. I made sure the principal knew I was more than planning time. I let her know how I try to coordinate with the teachers even though we do not have time to plan together. I let her know how much I do for the faculty and students beyond the normal library duties. I let her know how much I do with technology. I let her know I have a curriculum and skills I am responsible to teach. I also like to remind the principal that there are library duties that people overlook such as the maintenance and management of the books, library and program. I hope this helps.
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I'd be sending her a copy of the Library plan to read before the meeting and indicate that you need signoff for this document plus other policies such as the challenge docs and IT AUP. Have written down your philosophy for the library in your planning document - have it with you as well - this will give him/her a good idea of where you're at. This is a prime opportunity for you to stake you professional claim as well - what would she like you to do re- staff PD =96 information management, searching the Web, using ppt in the classroom, etc
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I'd emphasize, that in addition to all the teaching you do, you run a super library because school libraries are the only libraries some kids ever see AND free choice reading is the strongest influence on literacy.
Replies via Twitter:
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tell your principal that the library is the key to all your students' learning and is vital in supporting your teachers. good luck!
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Provide a haven that furthers knowledge;supplement & support teachers/lesson plans/NCLB; create an atmosphere of lifelong learning
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Service, service, service... where literacy, technology, information literacy all come together. All you do for everyone.
