Bury Library helps train student teachers

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 25 June 2007

or the second year running, Bury Council’s library service has involved itself in training new school teachers by taking part in a North West area project called "Literature Matters’.

The project aims to:  increase knowledge and confidence in promoting childrens’ books, increase the usage of libraries in teacher training, and to improve links between teacher training providers, teachers, librarians and the literature sector.

Bury Library service hosted a two week "enhancement experience’ placement for trainee teacher Gemma Markham, who is currently studying at Manchester University.

The aim of the placement was to give Gemma the opportunity to experience and understand the wide range of resources available to teachers in their local library and schools library service.

All Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) in Bury are encouraged to get in touch with their local library service and the schools library service to ask for the support of library staff and professionals. All the staff are aware of current teaching, national curriculum and learning initiatives.

The placement involved Gemma in
Homework clubs,
Researching literature sites from the web and preparing a creative reading/story writing on -line programme which will be part of the libraries summer programme for children,

Meeting the librarians and specialist staff from libraries throughout the borough,
Looking at the variety of resources and book stock available for teachers and children
Participating in literature/library meetings,
Visiting some local high schools and their libraries to get a feel for how useful school libraries are.
Visiting the Bury Schools Library Services – a resource dedicated to teachers in local schools, and tailored to suit their needs.

Gemma said; "I have really enjoyed the placement and will be sure to utilise my local library service and school library service when I start my teaching post in September’

To find out more about the scheme please contact

Bury Council Libraries
Unsworth Library
Sunnybank Road
Bury
e: c.almond@bury.gov.uk
w; www.bury.gov.uk
t; 0161 253 7561