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ALA/AASL Election – Educators of School Librarians Section

By Frances Reeve on 03/13/2015 • ( 0 )

The 2015 ALA/AASL Election is quickly approaching. As many were not able to attend the AASL Candidates Forum at Midwinter, we wanted to use this public forum as an opportunity to introduce the candidates running for AASL offices. 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 24. Today we hear from:

Karla Collins, Candidate for Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) Chair-Elect
Deborah Parrott, Candidate for Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) Secretary

From Karla Collins, Candidate for Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) Chair-Elect
AASL’s mission to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning encompasses what we do as educators of school librarians. We are developing leaders to be the future of school librarianship. We are working through our students to transform teaching and learning. Since joining the Educators of School Librarians division of AASL, I have learned new ways to improve my teaching by participating in discussions with other division members. As chair of ESLS, I will encourage members of this division to continue the collaboration and conversations through our meetings at conferences and through social media connections. I will also work with others in the division to share our ideas and research with the larger library and education communities. To have a future of strong librarians we must have strong programs now; programs that reflect current trends and practices; programs that look to the future and build dispositions that are necessary for 21^st Century school librarians to be effective educators and leaders. Together, our work in ESLS will build leaders for stronger libraries and stronger schools for all of our children.

From Deborah Parrott, Candidate for Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) Secretary
If elected to the AASL’s Educators’ of School Librarians Section, I will endeavor to serve the profession in any manner necessary. As school librarians, we are no longer the austere guardians of the books. Over the years, our roles have evolved into vital members of the literacy and technology instructional team. I will support the group to facilitate teaching and learning, to connect with other educators and to advocate or publicize our services.

Effective communication is essential in any organization. As Secretary, I will record an accurate and detailed account of the meeting minutes, keeping members informed and abreast of all developments within our section. I will disseminate any information to members in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, I will be available to communicate any trends or concerns from the professional field to the group.

Advocacy is important for our profession and we must equip our members with information and resources to catapult learning into the 21^st century. It would be my pleasure to create any materials for publicity or advocacy, reinforcing our part in the 21^st century learning process. I am committed to building the professional community of the school librarian and strengthening ties to state affiliates and other ALA organizations.

In short, it would be my honor to serve the American Association of School Librarians ESLS Section as Secretary and, if elected, I will serve to the best of my ability.