Reflection and goal setting should be a part of all school librarians' practice. Most school districts will have a formal process for professional goal setting. This process will likely include formats or forms to use as templates for this process and there will be district or school-based deadlines for the completing and submission of those goals. In some cases, these forms are intended for classroom teachers and are missing many items that library-specific goals should consider. You may want to approach your mentor or supervisor about creating a library related goal using the AASL Standards Framework in combination with the Danielson Framework for Library Media Specialists.
[Here's a framework that you can use to get started in this process.]
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Consider setting at least one short-term goal that you can accomplish between your first and second meeting with your mentor, and another that is a longer-term goal. This can be really helpful when you're starting out in a new school. There will likely be procedural goals relating to familiarizing yourself with a new school and/or role. This might include things like learning about the purchase order process, how book processing has been done, and if there are library related expectations from stakeholders (book fairs, closing library for testing, study hall use, hall pass system, library use for special events, etc.). Longer term goals could be more holistic and involved. You might consider doing a diversity audit of your collection, a Titlewave analysis can be done even if you don't use Destiny as your OPAC, or choosing a specific content area to focus on collaborating with. It may take a few weeks to sort out what you do or don't know. Taking a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the frameworks can help set you up for successful goal setting and work with your mentor.
At the end of your first year, work with your mentor to look back and reflect on what you've accomplished. Creating an annual report is not only a great way to inform other stakeholders about the library, but it's a good point to use when beginning the goal-setting process in subsequent years.
I love that your “voice” was directed at a mentee-reader! This is such good practice for the Learning Focused conversation you will be having all year long. This is thoughtful and the Guide should be shared. If you have not plunked it in the resource folder, please do so!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Well done.
The context for goal setting is really important, as it should be integral to administering a school library program, but also for improving teaching and learning. No matter what level of experience, from novice to "expert," we all benefit from taking stock of what challenges and opportunities need to be addressed each year in a school library. As you know, each year is different, and requires fresh eyes, and new ideas for problem solving. Of course, the past two years have been over the top with challenges, and now we have an opportunity to reflect on what changes we need to make in schools to move ahead post covid.
ReplyDeleteYou are in a sweet spot to get to work with your mentee!
The one page overview with live links is a great tool to use with mentees that provides a third point for addressing the process for goal setting. It can seem overwhelming for a newbie, (or an oldbie), but seeing the steps as an outline is a wonderful starting point for further discussions.
Well done!
As an aside, I appreciate your Insta feed on this blog as a fabulous example about how you can promote and advocate for your school library in an engaging way.
Thanks! The Instagram account is very book recommendation heavy for large chunks of the year, but I also like making it fun and relatable when and where I can.
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