I have demonstrated proficiency using my leadership skills to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and other school community members.
Wakelet: Advocating for Graphic Novels
Description
This artifact was developed during my internship at Gilbert Middle School to fulfill two purposes: introduce the staff to a new digital tool (Wakelet) and provide leadership with the pedagogy of using graphic novels in the classroom. Through conversations with my mentor librarian and the digital learning coach at Gilbert, I learned that they both felt challenged with providing new information to staff in a non-threatening way. Their perception is that their teachers are under a lot of stress and pressure with school-wide professional development expectations, and so they do not seek out additional opportunities to make presentations. The Wakelet I developed is a different type of approach than traditional professional development. It is meant to be easy to demonstrate and share during grade-level and/or content area meetings that one or both of them attend as well as post to the information hub that teachers access asynchronously. The Wakelet is structured into columns, including background information on graphic novels, research, teacher voices, genre/content area lists, and a place for teachers to share their favorite graphic novels. By sharing the Wakelet collaboration link, the staff has access to edit and add more information to share with each other on this topic.
Analysis
Opportunities for both the librarian and the digital learning coach to provide professional development are few due to the intense nature of district and school initiatives that require regular training and meetings. Being flexible, having the ability to pivot, and trying a new approach are essential skills that school librarians must have. Finding ways to connect with teachers while also providing what they need is how to build strong relationships and partnerships. The digital learning coach had piloted the Wakelet application successfully through a coaching cycle with one teacher, and he wanted to get it in front of the rest of faculty as soon as possible. The librarian had experienced some resistance from teachers about the benefits of reading graphic novels, and she wanted to address those concerns directly. This artifact met both of their goals.
Reflection
As a school librarian, I will continue to seek out collaboration partners such as the digital learning coach to find innovative ways to meet school needs. Collaboration is about combining strengths to improve the outcome. In this situation, I had not heard of Wakelet before; I would have had a steeper learning curve if I had tried to master it on my own. I also will need to provide leadership when there is an issue such as this one on which I can have a positive influence. By staying current on educational and technological ideas and actively participating in the school learning environment, I will be of service and an asset to my school community.