In academic libraries, where early-career librarians often feel unprepared for the role of instruction, collaborative teaching partnerships can be powerful tools for reflective practice and growth, thereby building instructional capacity and confidence. This session will chronicle a two-year collaborative teaching partnership focused on promoting continuous improvement, fostering a supportive work-place culture, and embracing multiple perspectives for positive and empowering professional growth. Highlighting the "Circle of Teaching Support" framework developed through this partnership, the authors will share insights for practical application and discuss important lessons learned along the way. Attendees will thoughtfully consider their own circles of support based on cycles of listening and observation.
Participants will: 1. Explore & Discuss reasons why academic librarians feel unprepared for library instruction 2. Illustrate the components of a reflective teaching cycle and how this process can complement library instruction 3. Identify strategies for forming and maintaining collaborative partnerships within academic libraries and beyond
