As a current teacher, I know a lot of learning will come from experiences as a school librarian.  I will learn from constant self-reflection, from assessing the needs of stakeholders, from successes, and from ineffective, or less effective, practices.  School staff will also serve as constant collaborators in how I can adapt and add to the learning of all.

I will stay knowledgeable of current trends and best practices by remaining a member of the American Association of School Librarians.  Also, the current librarian at my school, Virginia Smith Elementary, has expressed that she would like me to become a member of the Metropolitan Library Commission.  Benefits of being involved with the commission include staying up-to-date on current issues and trends, supporting fiscal and management skills, and connecting to local public libraries.  It also provides me with the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the public library in my town, Harrah.

My current school site also supports, and encourages, attending professional development opportunities.  My hope is that, in the future, I will be able to attend events such as the Oklahoma Library Association’s Annual Conference and/or the State Department of Education’s School Library Summer Academy.  My goal will be to attend at least one, if not more, in-person professional development opportunity event each year.

Lastly, perhaps the most frequent ongoing education, besides constant reflection, is the use of social media as a personal and professional learning network.  Social media groups, such as Learning Librarians, Future Ready Librarians, and Elementary Library Exchange, serve as a great way to stay connected, view ideas and challenges from other librarians, share ideas, have questions answered, and engage in discussion.