As the Immediate Past-President of AASL, one of my honors and responsibilities is to work with the Leadership Development Committee to put forth a slate of candidates for the 2025 AASL elections.

Just a few years ago, about this time, I didn’t realize my name was being discussed by the 2022 nominating committee. I had no clue that the people of that committee thought I could potentially be a leader in our national association, let alone be the president.

Like many of you, I look up to the previous presidents of AASL. I’m still in awe of Barbara Stripling. Every time I see her at a convention, it takes everything in me to call her Barb (like she asks), because I so revere the work she did on our behalf. Being included in a picture with the past-presidents at the AASL national convention in Tampa this past fall felt so surreal because they are all such amazing advocates and leaders.

From Left to Right Back Row: Kathy Carroll 2020-21; Carly A. Harvey II 2011-12; Sarah Kelly Johns 2007-08; Stephen Yates 2017-18; Kathryn Roots Lewis 2018-19; Terri Grief 2014-15

From Left to Right Front Row: Cassandra G. Barnett 2009-10; Courtney Pentland 2023-24; Jennisen Lucas 2021-22; Susan Ballard 2012-13 ; Barbara Stripling 1996-97

I really didn’t have an inkling that I would be receiving a phone call from then immediate past-president Kathy Carroll asking if I would consider the nomination for AASL president.

In a few months, I will be making similar phone calls that will change the trajectory of a select few school librarians’ lives and the trajectory of our national association. It feels monumental, because it is. But, it is not unattainable for school librarians like you.

I am a high school librarian. I go to school each day working with teenagers and staff. I teach lessons, provide programming, and cultivate community. Our current board is made up of school librarians working in PK-12 and independent schools, supervisors of school librarians, and educators of school librarians.

Left to right: Juan Rivera-Secretary/Treasurer (public school librarian), Nora Wiltse-Division Councilor (public school librarian), April Dawkins-Director-at-Large (educator of school librarians), Courtney Pentland-Immediate Past President (public school librarian), Sylvia Knight Norton-Executive Director, Becky Calzada-President (supervisor of school librarians), Barbara Johnson-Director-at-Large (district leader of school librarians), Amanda Kordelski-Incoming President (supervisor of school librarians), Hannah Little-Director-at-Large (independent school librarian). Not pictured, Lindsey Kimery-Director-at-Large (supervisor of school librarians).

These are folks just like you who have a passion for school libraries. They know the power of school librarianship. And, they want to see the profession grow.

But, what do you need to do to prepare for this type of responsibility, you might ask?

First, be passionate about school libraries.

Second, be active in your state association. You will learn so much about how professional associations work, and you will get to see the difference their work can make.

Third, be active in the national association. Volunteer for a committee. Volunteer to write for Knowledge Quest or the KQ Blog. Serve as a delegate to AASL on behalf of your state association. Learn about the association through your service, but most importantly, through your membership.

Fourth, be willing to give some of your time to support this beautiful profession.

And, finally, do not suffer from imposter syndrome. YOU have the experience and the expertise to lead. You do it every day in your role as school librarians. If you feel the calling to do so, please volunteer for your state and national associations. We need your voice, your heart, and your ideas. We are always #StrongerTogether.

If you would like to run for one of the board positions that will be on the 2025 ballot, please reach out to me. If you know someone who would be a great candidate, pass their name along: aaslpentland@gmail.com

To learn more about my presidential year, please listen to my friend Amy Hermon’s Podcast – School Librarians United – where she gave me the opportunity to talk about the great honor I had serving as your AASL President.

Positions on the 2025 ballot include:

President-elect (1 year plus succession)

Division Councilor (3 year term)

Director-At-Large  (2 year term)

Director-At-Large  (2 year term)

Educators of School Libraries Section:

ESLS Chair-elect (1 year plus succession)

ESLS Secretary (2 year term)

Independent School Libraries Section:

ISS Chair-elect (1 year plus succession)

Supervisors of School Libraries Section:

SPVS Chair-elect (1 year plus succession)

SPVS Secretary (2 year term)