Beth Eilers

To be a Teacher Librarian in the 21st century is to guide students as they grow into learners, thinkers, researchers. It is being a model for teaching 21st century skills that will help our students become productive, successful citizens and wise information consumers. It's placing an emphasis on communication, collaboration and creativity in the classroom. It's about asking big questions and knowing that my answers to those questions are likely different than yours.

Of course, beyond the pie-in-the-sky ideals of the Teacher Librarian is an imposing list of responsibilities, none of which include any longer being the queen of quiet, the icon of information, or the sole keeper of the collection. At some time each day, a 21st century Teacher Librarian serves as technology leader, research guide, information detective, instructional partner and collaborator.

And while serving in those roles, among others, she must always share her enthusiasm, her intentionally inclusive heart and the soul of a public servant.

As poet David Whyte writes -- "Inside everyone is a great shout of joy waiting to be born."

These 12 words charge 21st century teacher librarians with great responsibilities -- the responsibilities of leading, of modeling, of guiding our students to find their passions, or, their "great shouts of joy."

Teacher Librarian is far more than a job title.

It’s my own great shout of joy.