The #TXLchat provides a forum for Texas librarians (but not limited to Texas librarians) to create collaborative connections, share educational resources, and foster life-long learning.
I am considering making a book display off all the books in my collection that are about the library. Library Mouse, The Not So Quiet Library @ZachariahOHora. Thoughts? #txlchat
Hey ya'll! I'm Kirsten, Lower School Head Librarian at Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas and I'm excited to try to hang in both #mwlibchat and #txlchat tonight!
A1 Make sure it is up to date! Show what trainings and tech skills you have to keep current. Highlight your strengths. A link to your blog/webpage/digital portfolio ets is nice.... I’m going to search for your digital presence, so make it easy. #txlchat
A1 Make sure it is up to date! Show what trainings and tech skills you have to keep current. Highlight your strengths. A link to your blog/webpage/digital portfolio ets is nice.... I’m going to search for your digital presence, so make it easy. #txlchat
A2: That’s a tough one bc it’s specific to the individual. Try to find a way to incorporate what U R passionate about into your speech. For example, for me it would be my belief that a library should be a haven inclusive to all & my goal would be to create that etc… #txlchat
If you have experience beyond the level for which you are applying, tell about it
. Since I had taught HS, I mentioned my library experiences with my son, which spanned from Prek to 5th grade so I could mention Sendak, Prelutsky, E Carle, Erickson & Bluebonnet books.
#txlchat
A2-I've never asked for an elevator speech but I equate this to a cover letter. Highlight the skills you have that make you the right candidate for the job #txlchat
#txlchat A1 I would 'ditto' the portfolio even if you are just coming out of the classroom. Showcase the work you are doing with the librarian. I showcased this & all of the parental involvement activities I was already taking part in. It demonstrated my commitment.
A2 - what makes you stand out from others? Focus on something unique, and tell what you bring to learning and the school community, not just the library. #txlchat
I have been asked to sum up what I bring to the table or why I would be the best @ the end of an interview and I think this would be great place for an elevator speech #txlchat
Q2: I'm still working on my own elevator speech 16 years into my move from classroom to library but I am good about sharing my excitement and enthusiasm about teaching and interacting with ALL students for multiple years! #txlchat
Good idea, Sara. As the years go by, it's easy to forget some of the things that just might be what the employer is looking for. BUT it's best to mention no later than 5 years back. 15 yrs back..to far. #txlchat
A3: What is the budget for the library? Is admin supportive of library (and how so)? What do you want the new librarian to bring to the program? #txlchat
A4: Opportunities to lead PD 4 Ts
Helping other teachers integrate tech into lessons
Spend time with other librarians in their libraries and #soakeverythingin#txlchat
A4 Shadow a librarian at all levels if possible, do research and try to use multiple catalog systems, find out what if any reading programs your districts of interest us. Social media check your districts of interest libraries #txlchat
A4 Take advantage of student or pre-service rates for @txla membership. Become a member of @TCEA if you aren’t already, and join @TCEALIBSIG Attend conferences (district/region and state) to network. Follow librarians from around the state/country. #txlchat
#txlchat A3 Mention any experiences with the grades for which you are applying. If for all levels, tell that you taught HS as well as church school to 3, 4, & 6 to show that your experience spans the gamut.
Q4. Technology integration is key - stay current and work across many platforms. Work with all types of students -ages, abilities, economics - think diversity! Read, read, read! #txlchat
A5: DO NOT make any major changes during your first year. Learned this one the hard way ;) Watch, listen and learn the culture of your campus. #txlchat
A4 Work on skills that will benefit you where you are and where you want to be - certifications like Google Certified Educator or Apple Teacher are good places to start. Also @CommonSenseEd or ambassadorships for various products/apps. #txlchat
A5-Don't try to do too many things; focus on a few things & do them really well. Next year, add 2 more. Grow your program! Rome was not built in a day :) #txlchat
A2 Advocate for yourself and what you will bring to their 'table' but I think avoiding buzzwords and library speak. How will your experiences add to their program? Know their school, community, etc. #txlchat
"Hey Kirsten, don't be afraid to help redirect students away from one book and into another that fits them better. Find the teachers who will collaborate with you and bust it out with them. Oh, and cut yourself some slack, you'll get there!" #txlchat
A5: Don't be afraid to be curious and learn what others do. Your job description/responsiblities may change and you'll be prepared! (My supervisor doesn't know how to process a library card application)#txlchat
A5 - don’t try to do everything at once. Set goals for yourself - do you want to serve on reading list or other committees? Run for an office? Apply for TALL Texans? Set goals and revisit them every semester or year. Don’t be afraid to revise them. #txlchat
Thank you for joining #txlchat tonight. Continue the conversations and find people from the chat to add to your PLN. There will be no #txlchat next week. Back 4/10
A4 Start a virtual "trapper keeper' start collecting artifacts and ideas, 'ahas' or those monthly WOWzers that you don't want to forget. Maybe shadow a librarian. Offer to plan a storytime session. #txlchat
Q3:: What is a great question to ask during an interview for a library position?
If the chosen candidate for this job is really successful in the position what does that look like in 1-3-5 years? Learn what they value and what they expect. #txlchat
Q1: As pre-service librarians prepare to find a job, what resume advice would you give? #txlchat
Make your resume unique but professional. Example putting a chart of skills that relate to the job description in the resume. There are at times 100s of applicants, standout!
Q4: What experiences should a pre-service librarian seek out in preparation for their 1st job? #txlchat
Practice interviewing. Have a librarian friend who hires interview you and go through it 2-3 times. Practice will have all your experiences & thoughts organized & on recall
Yay TLA! I'm presenting with @staceybethr and @EmmaVirjan on Wednesday at 11:15. Our presentation is called "In It To Win It! Ways to Connect and Collaborate Professionally." Come join us so we can learn together! PS - @laffinglibrary, you're in my presentation! #txlchat
Thank you for joining #txlchat tonight. Continue the conversations and find people from the chat to add to your PLN. There will be no #txlchat next week. Back 4/10
A5 Take more pictures of all the things you do, it’s OK if ideas fail, advocate for yourself and the importance of your role, strike a balance between being a team player and being overcommitted #txlchat
