“There is no point in moving to such faraway and exciting places if you don’t immerse yourself in local culture, customs and the people. For me, that’s part of the buzz. Also, you need to have an open mindset. You’re not going to change the place you are going to, or the things you don’t like about it – you have to be open to the country and its people changing you for the better. They will. “There is a decision you need to make about your social life. Will you spend your time with the local community or with the expats you work with? More often than not, I’ve seen expat teachers get sucked into cliques or groups with teachers from the country where they are from, to the point that they essentially are living in a bubble. You are a guest in someone’s else’s country so you need to show respect and courtesy at all times.”
Is it right for you?
But a word of warning – as already stated, a move abroad may not be for everyone and despite the benefits, there are always potential drawbacks to consider. Graeme says: “Your own personal life can suffer in terms of forming and sustaining relationships along the way, as you keep moving around. I’m still single, without children which isn’t something I thought I’d be saying at 44.” An overseas job may seem like a move to make when you are young or have no family commitments. But many schools actively encourage applications from families, and even offer free places to children at their schools. Graeme says: “You can look at some of the salaries on offer at top-tier schools in the UK, and it doesn’t com- pare to an international school where you can move your partner and family out there, get your accommodation paid for and take home a tax-free salary. It can change your life.
“I didn’t know that these schools existed when I started out, and I think there are school librarians in the UK who do not necessarily appreciate the value of a British library qualification or the value in CILIP’s Professional Registration. There are countries around the world that are desperate to tap into that knowledge and expertise.” And while your next move might not be to another country, there are plenty of other ways to explore change. It is worth remembering that the skills, qualifications and knowledge you gain throughout your career are transferable and could open-up a whole world of new opportunities.
l Graeme will be looking at aspects of solo working, resources and tools, and how networks can help you develop your career in a future issue of Information Professional. IP
The school perspective
“The role of the school librarian is more important now than ever because school librarians play a crucial part in enhancing literacy and digital skills among students. In today’s rapidly evolving information age, school librarians provide invaluable guidance to students navigating the huge array of online resources. They teach students how to critically evaluate information, discern credible sources, and avoid misinformation or fake news. “Moreover, the school librarian promotes a love for reading and literature, encouraging students to explore diverse genres and authors. They curate a wide range of books, magazines, and digital resources, ensuring students have access to a rich collection that caters to their interests and needs. By instilling a passion for reading, school librarians contribute to the develop- ment of lifelong learners and critical thinkers. “Furthermore, the school librarian creates a safe and inclusive space within the school community. They promote diversity and inclusivity by curating resources that reflect different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Librarians organize events, book clubs, and author visits, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging students to embrace their unique identities. “In summary, the role of the school librarian has become
more vital than ever, as they empower students with information literacy, digital competency, a love for reading, and a welcoming environment that celebrates diversity.”
– Lesley Tait, Head of School, Lincoln Community School, Accra, Ghana
“
...the library/media centre is a microcosm of the world we live in, where students engage with information – and misinfor- mation – in a range of media and across the gamut of human experience. A well-resourced library/media centre should be a sandbox for our students to play in, experimenting and dis- covering as they go...a safe place to encounter the ‘real world’ beyond the school’s walls as well as being part of their current ‘lived’ real world. They should encounter cultures, controversies and contradictions, learning both to navigate the complexities of life and to start developing their answers and perspectives on the big issues facing humanity.”
– Mark Exton, High School Principal, Lincoln Community School, Accra, Ghana.
“I became a history and literature teacher because I always —believed that history was the story of our lives and literature helped us make sense of it. If this is true, then librarians are the gatekeepers of those stories, the people who tell them and the people who read them. They battle censorship, government overreach, and fake news, all while being champions of the marginalsed and giving voice to the voiceless. “The notion that librarians only help us find information is out- dated and myopic: What they really do is help us find ourselves.”
– Amber J. Rhinehart, MYP Coordinator & Teaching and Learning Coordinator, Lincoln Community School
“For the past 10+ years I have been fortunate to work in schools that employ teacher librarians. Inquiry is not an approach that automatically grants high quality learning and teaching, in fact it can murky the waters if taught poorly. Inquiry is an interdisciplinary approach requiring a multitude of skills that need to be modelled and scaffolded.
“The act of googling can be the lowest form of inquiring, unless one uses boolean operators and advance settings. Inquiry is initially about finding out, identifying the best sources. Teacher librarians can hold the key to raising the inquiry bar. Engaging teacher librarians in unit planning, co-designing experiences, co-planning thinking routines, identify high quality resources (
Fuse.education.vic.gov.au, WorldBookOnline, EBSCO, Britan- nica), developing scope and sequence in skill development and co-teaching. Their contribution to learning is invaluable, as well as their pastoral role in the relationship they develop with both students, families and teachers, database/ resource planning and management. What would we do without them?” – Jonathan Butcher, Deputy Head of Primary, Meadow Springs Primary, Australia
July-August 2023 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 21
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