You matter and your vote makes a difference. The 2017 ALA/AASL Election is quickly approaching, and it will only take a few moments of your time in the days leading up to the election to get connected with the candidates. AASL is using this public forum as an opportunity to introduce the candidates running for office. Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to this question: If elected, what will you do to advance AASL’s new position statement on effective school library programs?

Be involved. Be informed. Be a voter. Read the candidates responses over the next few days, and get out your vote beginning March 13. It is important for all members of AASL to exercise the right to vote in ALA’s Spring election process.

Lauren Mabry

AASL’s position statement on effective school library programs is a compelling piece of work that clearly defines what an effective program is, as well as its benefits for the learning community. Thanks to ESSA, school library programs across the country have new opportunities for increased recognition and support. This year and in the coming years, we will be called upon to blaze trails as we implement ESSA in our schools, reach outside of traditional library niches to address multiple literacies, advocate for our libraries, build partnerships, develop our own professional skills and learning networks, and so much more.  We may even find that we must alter the very landscape of school libraries in order to continue to cultivate life-changing skills and dispositions in our students.

This is a tall order, I know. If we work together, we can leave school libraries in Region 6 and across the country even better than we found them. I truly believe that the strength of library programs lie not only in their holdings, but also in the quality and variety of the learning opportunities we as librarians provide. Let’s gather virtually to discuss issues of national, regional, and local importance, voice concerns, share ideas and opportunities, and have fun while we are doing it. I’ll host online professional development book clubs so that we can learn together, as well as share relevant resources to help make all of those hats we wear just a little bit lighter. By having a virtual open door policy and regular channels of communication and collaboration, I look forward to deepening the knowledge essential to representing you.

My door is open, my wifi is turned on, I’m wearing my thinking cap, and I’m listening. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

Meet the Other AASL Candidates:

• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – President-Elect
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Treasurer
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Member-at-Large
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Region 4 Director
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Region 8 Director
• 2017 ALA/AASL Election – Educators of School Librarians Section
• 2017 ALA/AASL Elections – Independent Schools Section
• 2017 ALA/AASL Elections – Supervisors Section

Author: Leslie Preddy, Leadership Development Committee Chair and 2016-2017 AASL Past President

Categories: Association News, News