[LM_NET] HIT: Advocacy for Collaboration

[Toni Buzzeo <tonibuzzeo@TONIBUZZEO.COM>]

ADVOCACY.  It certainly is a buzz word in our profession.  And yet, 
it means so many different things, and we advocate in so many 
different ways--for our students, for our profession, for our 
programs.  My target was pretty specific, about advocating for 
collaboration in our schools.

My TARGET questions are at the top of the collection of responses for 
each.  Thanks so much to those of you who responded.  As I've told 
each of you who responded over the past few days to these 
collaboration questions, I'm working on a new book, The Collaboration 
Handbook.  I find that professional literature comes "alive" when a 
variety of library media specialists' voices are heard.  I'm grateful 
to colleagues who give me their permission to be quoted as so many of 
you have so generously done for many years.

There are some good ideas here! I hope they are of use to you all, as well.

Best,
Toni

1. IN WHAT WAYS CAN/SHOULD A LIBRARY MEDIA 
SPECIALIST/TEACHER-LIBRARIAN ADVOCATE FOR COLLABORATION WITH HER 
ADMINISTRATORS, HER TEACHERS, OR THE BROADER SCHOOL COMMUNITY?

Collaboration happens after you have forged a relationship of trust 
with your staff.  That takes time, and responding to their needs in 
many different ways.  You need that foundation for successful 
collaboration later. Also, I have found it more successful when it is 
teacher initiated.

I let my teacher brag about the project at a department meeting.  In 
a middle school that works great.  When I finish with one 6th grade 
English teacher I then many times am invited to move on to the other 
3 and repeat a successful project.  Of course each time the project improves.

***
The best way to advocate is to be the best - for all stakeholders - 
students (first), teachers, administration, and parents. Be  there 
when someone needs us - or, better, before they need us. Bullseye 
info, books, DVDs - grab the opportunity to turn up and serve moments 
before anyone realizes they need the library and what we can 
do.  Volunteer to serve on committees - BE A POSITIVE PRESENCE. Write 
articles - speak up at meetings - be assertive and aggressive. Be 
funny and willing to laugh at self. Be the first person in the 
building -- to capture time and the moment - be prepared.

***

I begin every year, (as well as continue to remind them) if I am 
allowed with info for the teachers on what I can and will do for 
them, all they have to do is ask.  Sometimes I may be busy with a 
class, but will get to their requests asap.  I have nominated three 
of the last 4 principals to attend the TLA workshop for 
principals.  This is the first time one said they would attend.  I 
did not nominate one of them because they were only a sub.

***
I work in a K-4 school. I am fortunate enough to have one day a week 
open for Open Access. I am given a substitute and my regularly 
scheduled classes have their library lesson in the classroom. This is 
the fourth year in my school. The way that I collaborate with my 
teachers is by:

1. Speaking to every teacher in the building as often as possible. If 
there is anything that they need I am there for them. I will go out 
of my way to go to local libraries, order books just for them and 
find resources that aren't there.

2. One that comes to mind is working with a kindergarten teacher who 
asked if I had anything she could show to her children about China. I 
did not have anything suitable so I suggested I create an overview of 
China via a PowerPoint presentation. I used large visuals and had an 
interactive discussion with them. The teacher has been working with 
me ever since. That is just one example.

3. A fourth grade teacher wanted cover immigration. I suggested 
creating an immigration museum in the library. She was terrific. I 
worked with the students in the library as well as found all sorts of 
usable material for them. The museum was awesome. She had all of the 
other classes come through it. The students were amazing dressed in 
period  costume describing what their voyage was like. Even the 
shyest of students came alive.

4. I bring books to teachers that I think that they will like.

5. I suggest many of the ideas I read on LM_NET to my teachers.

Basically I am always around, never say no and suggest everything 
from research ideas to lesson plans with them. I am very fond of my 
entire staff and hope that the feeling is mutual. The key is being 
able to work with people.

***
When I started out 7 years ago (this is my 2nd career).  I went whole 
hog and just put it out there that I want to collaborate with 
everyone and be in their grade level meetings, etc.  I am now in my 
3rd (and hopefully last) school and think I am getting the hang of 
sneaking in collaboration.  I eat lunch with 1st and 2nd grade 
teachers and get MOST of my information then.  I just listen to the 
conversations and how they compare notes on something they are 
teaching, then stick something in their box or on their desk with a 
note of "thought you might like this."  Most of the time I get a 
thank you and ... is coming up next can you pull me some books or 
introduce it, especially when it is library or literature stuff.  I 
also have paid attention to what they are looking for as far as books 
in the library and offer to introduce and/or follow up in the 
library.  I think I am also fortunate to follow a librarian that 
treated the library like she owned the books and everyone else is a 
bother.  My teachers have been very receptive.


2. IN WHAT WAYS CAN/SHOULD AN ADMINISTRATOR ADVOCATE FOR 
COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ADMINISTRATORS, WITH TEACHERS, OR WITH THE 
BROADER SCHOOL COMMUNITY?

Stand behind librarians, understanding what we can offer teachers, 
students, raising scores, reading achievement, etc., by having 
classes come and utilize all we have to offer in our library, instead 
of using us as tutors, lunch room monitors, or to fill every space 
they think we have time to fill, besides doing the job for which we 
were hired.  Raising up a new generation of life long readers, 
researchers, problem solvers, etc.

***
Collaboration really took off when our district went to a new model 
of evaluation.  This model called for the formation of collegial 
groups.  I was paired with the GT Language Arts Teacher and off we 
went develop a common goal for this school year.  MORE TO COME

***
My principal is awesome and supports me in every reasonable request I 
have.  We have worked together before and trusts my judgment and 
people skills, so I know I have his support to go to meetings, or put 
stuff out there for the teachers to take advantage of.  I also am 
very happy at this job and this school and I seem to fit, so 
previously when I got frustrated with the lack of collaboration, I 
just gave up and said fine.  I do not know if it is age or experience 
(or the good fit) that has helped me be more patient and just look 
for the opportunities and not shove myself down someone's throat.


IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT DO YOU DO TO PROMOTE COLLABORATION AND WHAT DOES 
YOUR ADMINISTRATOR DO (OR DO YOU WISH YOUR ADMINISTRATOR DID)?

I wish she did not hold "grade level meetings" that are really mini 
faculty meetings.  No planning takes place, there is no time to talk 
to teachers or get input into what they are working on and offer what 
I can do for them.


Toni Buzzeo, MA, MLIS <mailto:tonibuzzeo@tonibuzzeo.com>
Maine Library Media Specialist of the Year Emerita
Maine Association of School Libraries Board Member
Buxton, ME 04093
http://www.tonibuzzeo.com
Collaborating to Meet Standards: Teacher/Librarian Partnerships for 
K-6  Second Edition (Linworth 2007) BRAND NEW! 

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