I still prefer the title “teacher-librarian.” To me, teaching IS learning. I am a lifelong learner – have pretty much gone to school all my life as well as gone to workshops, conferences, and conventions. I’m constantly reading the blogs of others I admire and who have something to teach me – perhaps even as they are learning it.

Those of us who love to learn and share probably are reaching out to those who might not make the effort. Hopefully, we are encouraging others to revel in the pleasure of learning.

@Heather–You are a product of the University of South Carolina’s SLIS program, and so you have been MORE than prepared pedagogically for your position. Wear your title with pride. Part of best practice is modeling continuous learning, which you are doing too. I agree the term media specialist lends itself to being misinterpreted, but it is up to us to make sure our schools understand our programs and what we offer our school community. Then and only then will we change the expectations that administrators have. A problem is far too many LMSs have allowed their admin to have no expectations other than a gate keeper of books, a babysitter, and a way for other teachers to get a planning period. They are the whole reason many schools are CUTTING this position–because they have become complacent in what their school demands of their position. It is up to us to show what we can do–make ourselves indispensable.

Bravo, you are doing a fantastic job! Someday I may be as good as you.

“Librarian: A specialist in the care, management, and location of recorded information, and one skilled in the process of helping others locate and use information.”
seattlecentral.org/faculty/jshoop/glossary.html

I think media specialist is the wrong title…makes folks think all we do is handle media/tech problems. I’d also prefer the word technology not be in our title at all. While we teach how to use technology to fulfill informational/learning needs, most think the technology title means it is my job to fix their broken printers, computers and copiers. I’ll be happy to show you how to use these tools, but I’m not going to fix them for you…that’s what the tech folks are there for.

As for the term teacher librarian, I like the fact that it does stress that I also have a teaching certificate. However, I didn’t come from a teaching background and have never been a classroom teacher. I do feel this puts me at somewhat of a disadvantage, and is why I make such an effort to continually learn more about educational best practices.