Getting There

Well, I did it. I practiced what I preach. My good friend, colleague, and former principal, Marla McGhee, and I often present to school library groups on our book The Principal’s Guide to a Powerful Library Media Program (Linworth, 2005–2nd edition in the works!). One keynote focuses on the 5 things you want a new principal to know about your program. We built the talk on our own experiences and a survey of Texas school librarians via the state email list. My school has a new Head who graciously met with me on his second week on the job, allowing me to talk about my program. During out chat, I was able to talk to him about 4 of the 5 items on our “list” and he promised his full support.

1. “The most important part of my job is my instructional and collaborative role.”
2. “I am knowledgeable about curriculum and the 21st century learner.”
3. “An effective LMP impacts every student and faculty member.”
4. “The library program is critical to literacy.”

We discussed each point in detail. I think he was somewhat surprised with the amount of teaching I do. His own experiences with library media specialists seem to be in a supportive role–one of providing a variety of resources. Yes, that is one of our important roles, but it didn’t make the short list (unless you include it under number 3 above). My request of him was not for money and additional space, but to advocate for teachers to work with me as often as possible. Of course, I want to work with all teachers, which is not happening. I also encouraged him to help me get teachers to realize that 21st century skills belong in all areas of the curriculum and are not a “technology” thing. He is a great listener and promises to do whatever he can. The year looks good!

Oh, by the way… he will find out on his own, the 5th item on our list, “Some aspects of my job may be done behind the scenes.” I didn’t think that was something I wanted to say the first time I met him. I am not sure why–it just didn’t seem to fit at the time.