Templates and Scripts

Evaluation of the school librarian might feel like a confusing task, as they occupy both a teaching and an administrative space.  One's conception of the school librarian is shaped by the experiences and prior knowledge of the role, so it is important when evaluating, or engaging in an annual review, to conceptualize what their job is as outlined by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE). 

Your school librarian, if licensed and certified, is a licensed teacher in the state of Iowa with the added endorsement of the school librarian. The library is the content area, much like your teachers who are specialists in art, PE, music. The school librarian is unique because they are engaging in content area instruction yet also managing a school library program and acting as administrator of the library and collection within.

Scenario One: The ideal staffing 

Licensed, Certified, School Librarian (Teacher and Librarian)

Evaluation may include: 

  • A common understanding of the roles and responsibilities in your unique school setting
  • An observation of the librarian teaching a lesson in the library, or co-teaching a lesson with another content area teacher if more relevant to your situation

  • Visit(s) to the library space

     

Additional evaluation of the school library program (not necessarily a reflection on the school librarian)

  • A needs assessment outlined in the Iowa BOEE School Library Program Standards 

 

Scenario Two:  School Librarian (Just librarian) 

Evaluation may include: 

  • A common understanding of the roles and responsibilities in your unique school setting

  • Visit(s) to the library space

     

Additional evaluation of the school library program (not necessarily a reflection on the school librarian)

  • A needs assessment outlined in the Iowa BOEE School Library Program Standards 

 

Helpful Templates to Use

Teaching Observation Template One

Teaching Observation Template Two

Needs Assessment Directions and Template

 

Supporting Resources

Iowa BOEE School Library Program Standards 

Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria