The Framework for Teaching represents four domains of professional practice for PK-12 educators: Planning and Preparation, Classroom Environment, Instruction, and Professional Responsibilities. Developed by Charlotte Danielson in 1996, the Framework was designed to "promote clear and meaningful conversations about effective teaching practices" (https://danielsongroup.org/our-story). Here, I have organized evidence of my professional development as a school librarian according to this Framework, in order to demonstrate and support dialog about my knowledge and skills across the four domains.
Planning and Preparation
- Example Author Study Poster - This is an author study poster I conducted after reading a variety of pieces by Jason Reynolds. Knowing the importance of visualization in the library classroom, I hope to create many more posters that highlight diverse authors. The goal would be to create many different samples (and ongoing) such that there could be a visual rotation within the library space.
- Middle School Poetry Collection Development- I worked with my colleague to develop a robust poetry collection featuring diverse authors and a variety of subcategories such as disability and Mental Health Awareness, Black Joy, Loss and Love and more. The execution of such a project was important as it allowed us to become familiar with The School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and Booklist, read book evaluations and determine what would be a balanced book selection given the funds available.
- Literary Lesson Plan Analysis- The purpose of this exercise was to look at three library/literacy lesson plans and analyze the standards, objectives, content and assessment so that our own lesson plans in the future would be looked at critically using these multiple lenses.
- Model Curriculum Research Lesson Plan- Following the PA Model Curriculum as well as backwards design with assessment in mind, I created this library lesson plan featuring the picture book entitled Fortune Cookies for Everyone. Though familiar with backwards design and constant lesson planning from teaching elementary school, it was really wonderful to reconnect with a lesson plan model to think more deeply about inquiry, research, databases, modeling and how to incorporate the ALA standards for learners as well as PA standards for literacy/history.
- Counselor and Librarian Partnership Research & Synthesis - In my future role as a librarian, I do hope to partner closely with the school counselor/mental health counselor in a way that provides books or provides unique programming to tap into the many social emotional learning literature that is available to youth. This research allowed for a deeper research process regarding the social emotional support a librarian can provide while in collaboration with colleagues and other important mental health initiatives. I am currently using this research to apply to my independent study with The Women and Children's Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
- Independent Study/Library Revitalization Project at the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh- I am very lucky to be engaging in a curriculum development & library revitalization/organization project at the shelter. We are working to expand the children, adolescent and adult library collection, reorganize the library through color-coding and genrifying the books present as well as weeding out books that are outdated or not used. In addition, we are creating a more comforting adult/adolescent library space upstairs, thinking about a low budget makerspace area in the children's library area, social emotional learning kits, a cool down corner for emotional regulation as well as corresponding books and more. For me, this independent study allows me to focus on library access and library equity in a beautiful yet emotionally challenging environment. In addition, it encourages me to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, listen to various perspectives and viewpoints and create a space that is inclusive for all.
The Classroom Environment
Instruction
- Inquiry Dispositions for Picture Books- This assignment allowed for a deep exploration of inquiry dispositions for students. This particular sample includes designed inquiry questions to foster collaboration and discussion among two picture books (Duck! Rabbit! as well as The Yellow Bus.) Creating thought-provoking questions is incredibly important when leading read aloud exercises that promote engagement, excitement and discussion.
- Diverse Picture Book Collection- I designed a K-5 Diverse Picture Book Collection pdf to become a springboard for various months celebrated throughout the year. It is important to note that all diversity should be celebrated throughout the year rather than on a "month by month" basis. However, for many of the teachers in this particular school, teaching "diverse books" was quite a new concept. Thus, this was the beginning stages of what hopefully would be more integrated approach throughout every unit.
- StoriEDboxes- Since beginning my Masters in Library Science, I began an interactive instagram account that highlights important (and somewhat hidden gem) picture books that highlight diverse characters and concepts through a bookbento style presentation. My hope in creating such content is to use these stories for future instruction within the school library classroom. The bookbento strategy also encourages in-depth analysis of a book in a more creative way than multiple choice questions.
Professional Responsibility
- Falk Laboratory School Instructional Literacy Research Study - I designed a year-long literacy research study focusing on improving the reading, comprehension, speaking and listening skills of my second grade students. This particular presentation highlights both qualitative and quantitative results.
- StoriED Literacy Clinic 2023-2024 - The StoriED Literacy Clinic came to fruition with a $15,000 grant from the Grable Foundation. We had over 50 students participate from both Pittsburgh Public Schools and The Falk School. Undergraduate students from Pitt were trained in the literacy curriculum and also focused on reading diverse pieces of literature with their students. Seven cultural literacy Saturdays were hosted throughout the year at The Falk School. It was an extraordinary experience and one that ultimately encouraged me to apply for a Masters in Library Science at The University of Pittsburgh.
- Curated List of Summer Reading Programs for Students and Parents - This particular assignment allowed me to research and compile a list of summer reading programs for parents to assist their student and combat summer learning loss. This list includes some state specific reading programs as well as more national programs that provide parents and students with digital exercises and reading options as well.
