The BCTLA Executive undertook a comprehensive study of working and learning conditions for teacher-librarians in BC, which uncovered significant challenges including increasing workloads, erosion of the teacher-librarian specialist role and inadequate funding. In order to raise awareness, the BCTLA created advocacy materials to raise awareness among fellow educators, parents and community stakeholders. The “Love Your Teacher-Librarian” colouring sheets and bookmarks distributed at the BCTF Annual General Meeting, provincial Parent Advisory Council conference and BC Federation of Labour events, helped people engage in a creative and informative way around the contributions and value of teacher-librarians.
BCTLA Executive: Tammy Le, Lisa Seddon, Sarah Wethered, Nicole Hurtubise, April Hilland, Doni Gratton, Holly Broadland, Kristie Oxley, Joseph Jeffery, Serena Mohammed, Devika Chudy, Keely Thornton, Marilyn Carr
Through a collaborative and impactful inquiry supported by the British Columbia Teachers Federation (BCTF) Teacher Inquiry Program (TIP), the BCTLA Executive has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in addressing critical issues facing TLs, Library Learning Commons, and the broadereducational community in British Columbia…. The BCTLA executive’s work embodies the values of leadership, innovation, and dedication that the Donald Hamilton School Library Advocacy Award seeks to recognize.- Shaunna MacDonald, Surrey School District Teacher-Librarian Helping Teacher
Canadian School Libraries is delighted to honour the BCTLA as a 2025 recipient of the Donald Hamilton School Library Advocacy Award.
What is the Donald Hamilton Advocacy Award?
The Donald Hamilton School Library Advocacy Awardwas established in memory of Donald Hamilton, (1938 – 2023), a leader in the field of school libraries and teacher-librarianship throughout his long career, and a strong advocate for the crucial role of school libraries in student learning. The Donald Hamilton School Library Advocacy Award was established in 2023 in honour of Donald’s outstanding legacy. This award will be presented bi-annually to an individual, group or organization who have publicly and successfully promoted school libraries and/or teacher-librarians, in a significant way, through the media, organized events, presentations, or other forms of public advocacy. This advocacy may have involved a single major accomplishment or a long-term contribution to supporting school libraries and/or teacher-librarians.
For more information go to Donald Hamilton Advocacy Award