Advocacy

I admit that I'm not always good about advocating for school libraries. It may be that I've tried and failed. It may be that I'm moving out of the library again and I'm tired of trying again to convince another group of people that the credentialed librarian is important. I don't know...but I did decide that I couldn't let Library Legi Day pass without something, so I sent the following text in four letters to state legislators...(my elected officials and the two that represent the districts that encompass my school).

Hopefully, today you met with librarians or other library
representatives who spent time reminding you of the importance of libraries in
our schools and communities. I didn’t participate in today’s visit because
my school is in the midst of the STAR testing and I felt it important that I be
on campus to do my part. However, I do believe that it is important that
you know my story in the world of school libraries.

In 2001, I moved out of the classroom and opened the library at Evergreen Valley High
School in San Jose. I was privileged to open a new school, select materials and
begin the journey of providing students with 21st century skills.
Unfortunately, budget issues in 2005 led to the superintendent ordering
principals to reduce the credentialed librarian services by 50% at the
semester. In January 2005, I began teaching two periods of Economics and
the school library was closed for the mornings. Because I felt strongly,
that students were losing in this environment, I found a job at Aragon High
School in San Mateo. In 2005-2006 when I arrived at Aragon, an established
environment of collaboration between the librarian and the teachers already
existed. I followed a skilled teacher librarian who had worked hard to establish
this collaborative environment. I learned much from my colleagues on
how to incorporate information literacy and research skills into existing
curriculum. I introduced students and staff to technological resources
that supported what was already happening in the classroom. However, in
October of 2006, budget issues led to the district opting to have one
credentialed librarian cover two schools. Since I was the last hired, I
was transferred to a different school and placed back in the classroom. In
August 2007, I became the teacher librarian at Milpitas High School. Here,
I’ve introduced students and staff to the use of databases for quality
research. I’ve created a library webpage that is dynamic and interactive
to assist students in becoming information processors who know how to use
today’s technology for supporting their learning. I collaborate with staff
to provide relevant instruction during their library visits. Due to budget
cuts, I will be moving back into the classroom next fall. Our middle
schools will no longer have a credentialed librarian and because of seniority
that person will transfer to the high school.

So, why do my job woes matter to the students of California? California ranks 51st in
the nation with a ratio of teacher librarians to students of 1 to 5,124 while
the national average is 1 to 916. (2006-07CBEDS Report and Digest of Education
Statistics Tables and Figures2006, National Center for Education Statistics.) My
experience is indicative to that inequity as schools continue to cut
credentialed librarians from their payrolls despite research showing that
credentialed librarians contribute to student achievement.

I have been a teacher since 1985 and I believe that the education of our students is
vital. The school library unlike any other classroom on campus—serves
every student. The materials selected provide the lowest and the highest
achieving student access to information that supports their school experience.
On any given day, you’ll find a star athlete, the drama aficionado,
the English Language Learner, the special education student or a campus leader
in the library. The library isn’t just about checking out books, it’s
about providing students with the resources to become life-long learners and
explore beyond the walls of the classroom. It’s about showing students
that there is a vast world awaiting them if they have a knowledgeable guide to
show them the way.

As you continue to work in the legislature, my hope is that when library issues come before you that you will remember it’s about providing our students and our communities with the very best services. Thank you for your continued support of education.