Professional+Learning+Plan

**__My Professional Learning Plan - October 2009__** 

As part of the development of my Professional Portfolio it has become very clear to me that I am only just beginning my journey in developing my knowledge and skills in regards to the standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians as outlined by The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian School Library Association (ASLA). During my initial Situated Professional Practice, I have developed an increased awareness, appreciation and understanding for the changing role of the teacher librarian with the school environment. I feel that I have demonstrated these particular strengths so far in relation to the standards for teacher librarians including:   The areas I have selected below are only a few of the areas that I need to develop skills and knowledge in, in order to be able to demonstrate the standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians.
 * my ability to integrate Information and Communication Technology into curriculum planning and implementation.
 * demonstrated skills in being able to work with a variety of sectors within the school community (different age groups, support staff, Information and Communication staff, teaching colleagues, library staff) for a common goal.
 * developed curriculum units of work collaboratively with colleagues which match with current educational pedagogy, and cater for a variety of age groups, taking into consideration learning environments and existing resources.
 * develop curriculum programs which take into consideration the individual needs of children.
 * being prepared to "have a go" at new technology tools I have access to
 * being prepared to adapt plans as the need arises (Cyberbullying for example)

The particular areas that I hope to develop next year as part of my study and my next Situated Professional Practice are as follows:

  **__Professional Practice areas for development__**  :
 * __Professional Knowledge areas for development <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">: __ **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">continue to keep abreast of curriculum changes currently taking place, particularly relating to the National Curriculum Framework and the implications for lifelong learners in my care.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">being more proactive in seeking out professional development in regards to my information and communication technology knowledge and skills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">developing my knowledge base of children's literature. I will attempt to do this by completing the recently developed Children's Literature unit as part of my Masters and by also being active in finding time to read more for pleasure and information.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">visiting a variety of libraries which specifically cater for children. (attending weekly book reading sessions at council libraries, and children's activities at "The Corner", in the State Library.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> **__Professional Commitment areas for development__**:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">continue to actively seek out opportunities to work with a variety of staff members to enhance my curriculum planning and implementation
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">investigate further the true potential of an interactive whiteboard within a library and classroom setting.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">develop my professional knowledge further in regards to cataloguing systems through visiting a variety of settings, and through completion of the associated unit as part of my Masters.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%;">It is apparent to me that this is the area that needs greatest development so far. I can begin to develop more skills in this area by: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am looking forward to developing my skills and knowledge both on a professional and personal level further by working through these goals, and through further study as part of my Masters. By doing this I can then "//support and implement the vision of any school community//" (ALIA/ASLA, 2004) that I am involved in, whether it be through my classroom work, or hopefully in my own library situation. <span style="color: #009bff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">continuing to talk to teaching colleagues about my study, and about the importance of the library within the school setting.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">becoming more actively involved in discussions on OZTL net, and investigating and sharing resources with teaching colleagues that are suggested on this site.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">becoming more actively involved in the Brisbane Catholic Education Teacher Librarian's discussion group.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">actively seek out a teacher librarian role. I feel that not being permanently within a library setting is inhibiting my ability to develop further in the area of Professional Commitment.