The 2016 ALA/AASL Election is quickly approaching. AASL is using this public forum as an opportunity to introduce the candidates running for office to all members. Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to this question: If elected, what will you do to advance AASL’s new mission to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning? Read their responses and vote beginning March 15.

Eileen Kern

Great leaders seize the moment to advance their mission. AASL’s moment is now! The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 affords school librarians the vehicle to demonstrate their leadership and improve school library programs. AASL needs to lead the charge by empowering leaders to implement the language included in ESSA 2015.

Cultivating leadership is essential. An integral component is the continuation and the expansion of the leadership training for members and affiliate organizations. Creating the opportunity for dialog, sharing of ideas and networking with other members is a key element. By strengthening the role of librarians as leaders, teaching and learning will be transformed.

Building and expanding relationships with other organizations (educational and community) is imperative. Through working with these organizations, our voice will be louder and more powerful.

In order to keep all members and affiliate organizations abreast of the critical issues and actively participating in the professional learning community, communication is essential. Exploring methods to enhance this member engagement is vital.

As Member-At-Large board member, I would utilize my leadership experience in the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association and as the current AASL Region 2 Director to assist AASL in these crucial initiatives. Advancing AASL’s mission of empowering leaders to transform teaching and learning will increase student success.

Devona Pendergrass
When I am elected to serve as the AASL member at large I will continue to work diligently on the board of directors. Our mission to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning will be in my mind constantly as decisions have to be made.  Additionally, I will make sure that decisions are based on sound judgment and reasoning and that I represent all members of AASL and their students.

I believe that every student should have access to a library staffed with professionally trained librarians and modern updated materials.

I also believe in the critical role that I and many other school librarians play in student learning.  As an advocate, I will strive to ensure that all school stakeholders understand this importance and how we impact student learning both in formal situations and informal teaching as well.

I also believe in frontline advocacy.  As a frontline advocate I talk to anyone and everyone every day inside and outside the school setting about the importance of school libraries. Sometimes advocacy is planned but most of the time it is informal.  When elected  I will continue to advocate  as well as make formal presentations at the  local, state and national level on empowering leaders.

I believe that research has shown that school libraries staffed by professional librarians have students that perform better in class and on assessments.

I believe that when a student has the ability to research and discover “point in time” interests on topics, that becomes the key to a successful school experience.

I also believe that a vote for me will be a wise vote.  Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am a tireless proponent of AASL’s mission and I will be so proud to serve as AASL member-at-large and advocate for our profession.

Libraries are the Heartbeat of the school!

Author: Terri Grief

Categories: Association News, News

Tags: Elections