Blog

School librarians play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and supporting students’ educational journeys. To ensure their efforts are recognized and enhanced, the Network for Educator Effectiveness offers a comprehensive School Librarian Evaluation Organizer. This tool is designed to evaluate the unique skills and responsibilities of school librarians, complementing NEE’s existing teacher evaluation process.

NEE’s librarian evaluation process is flexible, allowing schools to choose between a Full Model and a Simple Model:

• The Full Model is ideal for librarians who provide regular classroom instruction, incorporating classroom observations, student surveys, and professional development plans.
• The Simple Model focuses solely on the School Librarian Evaluation Organizer. NEE also strongly recommends including a professional development plan.

A Targeted Approach to Evaluating School Librarians

NEE’s School Librarian Evaluation Organizer emphasizes a targeted approach, encouraging librarians to focus on three to five key elements that best represent their growth opportunities. By concentrating on specific areas, librarians can set achievable goals and document their progress effectively. These elements include:

1. Collaborates with teachers and other educators: Encourages teamwork and integration of library resources into classroom instruction.
2. Promotes student reading: Develops programs and initiatives to foster a love for reading among students.
3. Provides instruction that addresses multiple literacies: Teaches students to navigate and evaluate information across various formats.
4. Designs instruction to teach inquiry and the information search process: Guides students in developing research skills.
5. Addresses diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in literacy lessons and programs: Ensures that library programs are accessible and relevant to all students.

Evaluation Supports Important Role of Librarians

The NEE School Librarian Evaluation Organizer not only supports librarians in their professional growth but also enhances the overall library program, benefiting students and the school community.

School librarians have a significant impact on student achievement and literacy. According to the American Library Association, schools with well-supported library programs and certified librarians have 10-20% higher reading scores compared to those without.* Additionally, a study by the Library Research Service found that students in schools with strong library programs are more likely to excel academically, with higher standardized test scores and graduation rates.**

The importance of school librarians extends beyond academic performance. They play a vital role in promoting digital literacy, teaching students how to navigate and evaluate information in an increasingly digital world. In fact, 99% of public libraries offer summer reading programs, which help maintain and improve reading skills during the summer break.*** Furthermore, 78% of libraries provide job and career services, supporting students and community members in their professional development.***

Completing School Librarian Evaluation Online

Creating and completing the NEE School Librarian Evaluation Organizer is straightforward. Librarians can access the tool through the NEE Data Tool, select their evaluation elements, and submit their plans for review. The process fosters collaboration between librarians and administrators, ensuring a shared understanding of success criteria and fostering a supportive environment for professional growth.

Once the evaluation elements are selected, librarians describe their goals for meeting the rubric criteria for each element, along with the process to be followed and a method for documenting achievement. This structured approach allows librarians to set clear, achievable goals and track their progress throughout the school year.

In conclusion, the NEE School Librarian Evaluation Organizer is an invaluable tool for supporting the professional growth of school librarians. By focusing on targeted goals and continuous improvement, librarians can enhance their skills and make a significant impact on student learning and engagement.

Ready to empower your school librarians? Contact NEE to learn more about the School Librarian Evaluation Organizer.

*The State of AMERICA’S LIBRARIES – American Library Association
**2022 Public Library Services for Strong Communities
***Libraries in the U.S. – Statistics & Facts | Statista

Tom Hairston is the Managing Director of the Network for Educator Effectiveness and has worked with NEE since 2011. Prior to his work with NEE, he worked as a Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports Consultant for the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center at the University of Missouri. He began his career in education as a high school special education and language arts teacher and football coach at Moberly High School in Moberly, Mo. Tom received his PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri in 2012.

The Network for Educator Effectiveness (NEE) is a simple yet powerful comprehensive system for educator evaluation that helps educators grow, students learn, and schools improve. Developed by preK-12 practitioners and experts at the University of Missouri, NEE brings together classroom observation, student feedback, teacher curriculum planning, and professional development as measures of effectiveness in a secure online portal designed to promote educator growth and development.