Standard 4: Candidates advocate for dynamic school library programs and positive learning environments that focus on student learning and achievement by collaborating and connecting with teachers, administrators, librarians, and the community. Candidates are committed to continuous learning and professional growth and lead professional development activities for other educators. Candidates provide leadership by articulating ways in which school libraries contribute to student achievement.
Elements: 4.1. Networking with the library community 4.2 Professional development 4.3 Leadership 4.4 Advocacy
Reflection
I believe for a media specialist to create a positive learning environment in the media center I will need to have an environment that focuses on student learning and achievement. One way that I can achieve this is by collaborating with teachers, administrators, librarians, and the community. My mother always told me that it takes a village to inspire a child so to be a successful media specialist, I would need the help others to be successful. Another way that I can achieve this is by furthering my knowledge in this field and sharing my experience with other professionals.
During this practicum, I was able to visit two schools (Pointe South Middle and Elite Scholars Academy) which were a great experience for me. I was able to network with other media specialists and gain resources that I can use when I become a media specialist. The media specialist gave me tips and tricks that I can do in my media center to make my first year less stressful. After visiting the schools, I was excited to become a media specialist.
Also, during this practicum, I became a member of the American Library Association. Since I became a member, I have received magazines and emails about new upcoming jobs. I am glad that I join this organization because they keep me up to date about what is going on in the librarian world which is vital for me. In the future, I plan to join more organization to network with more media specialist. Also, I have signed up to attend a The Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC), an annual event, is sponsored by the Georgia Educational Technology Consortium, Inc. The Conference has played a vital role in helping educators at all levels increase their understanding of the role of technology in education. The Conference provides educators the opportunity to learn about the latest in educational technology and offers a forum for discussion among professionals concerned with technology in education.
I presented my first professional development workshop during this practicum. I was nervous at first, but as I continue the process, I realize how important my role is at the school. The staff was coming to get information to help them improve in the area that they needed help. This experience helps me build a relationship with the educators which let me know that they value what I had to offer. I also took an online professional development course called Idaho Commission for Libraries which help me different skills that I will need to know when I become a media specialist.
Artifacts
Pointe South Middle School and Elite Scholars Academy I chose these artifacts because when I visited Pointe South Middle School and Elite Scholars Academy I was able to network with other librarians. This visit helped me to strengthen cooperation among library colleagues for resource sharing, networking, and facilitating access to information. I really enjoyed my visit and met two new friends that I can contact if I need help. This artifact support element: 4.1
Idaho Commission for Libraries I chose this artifact because it model my strong commitment to the profession by participating in professional growth. I had to take a professional development class online that will help me in the media center field. One of the class that I chose was "Introduction to Technical Services and Catalog Records". It explain what was catalog records and how to catalog. The online class was very informative and I will definitely take another class from this company in the future. This artifact support element: 4.2
Task 4 - Face-to-Face Staff Development Workshop Lesson Plan and Reflection I chose this artifact because it demonstrate my ability to articulate the role and leadership. In my workshop I presented information about Google classroom. The face-to-face workshop and online workshop was a success. I believe using evidence-based practice and information from education help make this workshop successful. This artifact support element: 4.3
Task 4 - Face-to-Face Staff Development Workshop - Questionnaire I chose this artifact because it demonstrate my ability to articulate the role and leadership. Before I develop a topic I sent out a questionnaire to the participating staff because I wanted to teach something that they value. The survey help me design, develop, and deliver. This artifact support element: 4.3 and 4.4
Task 5 - Online Staff Development Workshop This artifact demonstrate my leadership skills. I create an online professional development workshop. I think as a leader a person must be flexible and creating a online course help me reach other staff members who were not able to attend face-to-face workshop. This artifact support element: 4.3 and 4.4
click on the link: https://sites.google.com/georgiasouthern.edu/jamie-harris or click on the picture below to go to the website.
Online Staff Development Workshop
Task 5 - Online Staff Development - Survey Results I chose this artifact because demonstrate my leadership role. After I had presented my professional development workshop to staff I sent out a course evaluation to let me know if my workshop was effective. I believe being in a leadership role a person must always get feedback to continue growing. This artifact support element: 4.3
American Library Association I chose this artifact because it demonstrate my commitment to the profession by participating in professional growth through membership with ALA. This organization has a lot of benefits to offer. I believe by joining this organization it will help me be a better media specialist because I am able to network with other people in my field, stay up to date with the latest news that is going on in the field, and job opportunities. This artifact support elements: 4.1, 4.2, and 4.4.