The AASL election season is quickly approaching, and we have an outstanding slate of candidates standing for office! AASL is continuing the practice of using the KQ website as a venue for you to learn more about each candidate. Those standing for office were given the opportunity to introduce themselves with a short video on the AASL channel on YouTube and to use this space by responding to the following prompt: “What would you say to someone if they were to ask you ‘Why AASL?’ ”
Each candidate is immensely qualified and is a leader and advocate for our profession. As you view their videos and read their responses, consider how each will lead our profession during these unprecedented times. Consider who can effectively carry out AASL’s mission statement to empower leaders to transform teaching and learning. Our association needs your input as to who will lead us in the future. Vote to show support for our national association and for the candidates standing for office, and encourage other AASL members to vote as well. Voting makes a difference and your vote matters!
Statements and/or videos were a voluntary option offered to all candidates.
Mark your calendar to cast your vote while polls are open, March 14–April 6.
The candidates for the Educators of School Librarians Section, Chair-elect are:
- Melanie Lewis Croft
- Rebecca Morris
Rebecca Morris
Greetings, AASL friends and colleagues! I am Rebecca Morris, Teaching Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. I am a 2022 candidate for ESLS Chair-Elect. Thank you for the opportunity to stand for election this year and the platform to share some thoughts here on the KQ Blog.
Our prompt today is, “What would you say to someone if they were to ask you ‘Why AASL?’”—and what a good question this is for educators of school librarians to consider! I try to make the case for AASL (and ALA) membership to my graduate students just about every semester, and each time I revisit that why. The simplest, and most compelling reason I can offer is that the paths that we follow through school librarianship benefit from connecting with the leadership and experiences of others. As fulfilling as our school librarian training aims to be, school librarians tend to be people who are eager to learn more, grow new skills, and expand their perspectives. When we build professional relationships across this unique field uniting education and library and information science, we build our capacity to contribute more to our school communities. Librarians thrive upon providing value to their schools, embracing lifelong learning, and drawing upon their agility, even in tough times—but we all need a support network. And in my experience, AASL has consistently offered timely support and robust professional development, situated in a community shaped by the learning needs of its members. The members of our organization engage with vigor—and not only that, they encourage others to take part! AASL members share the core values that characterize their service to PK-12 learners and schools, and a dedication to lifting up fellow school librarians and school library advocates. For me, that is “why AASL.”
Author: Kathy Carroll, AASL Leadership Development Committee Chair
As AASL Immediate Past President Kathy Carroll is chair of the AASL Leadership Development Committee.
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