Mind buzzing

Preparing for my first assignment in the ETL401 subject, my mind is buzzing from all the ideas, opinions, facts and interest.

I will not proceed to summarise all these findings, however I do want to mention one book that I have read nearly cover to cover, which has given me a lot of insight into the role and realities of Teacher Librarianship in Australia today. I wasn't previously aware that the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment had undertaken an inquiry into 'School libraries and teacher librarians in 21st century Australia', for which CSU and our esteemed lecturers, including Lyn Hay, were major contributors (published March 2011). It was very eye-opening and interesting to hear from the many TL contributors around the country and expressed the challenges they faced in their roles. 


The main challenges facing the TL role seem to be lack of Principal support and lack of funding for the role (including administrative assistance) meaning that TLs are not fulfilling their teaching or leadership roles to the extent that they would like.   I'm beginning to realise that how fulfilling and enjoyable the job is, will depend to a (large?) extent on the support of the school principal and the funding that is made available to me.  This is reality but I find it a sad state of affairs.  Hopefully this inquiry goes some way to making 'the powers that be' more aware of the importance of the TL role and giving better support to TLs across the country.