It is time for the AASL membership to elect the volunteers who will lead our organization. Candidates will introduce themselves in a series of blogs, and were asked to prepare answers to the question:  They have also written answers to the following question: “Which part of the AASL strategic plan speaks to you most and why?” Please read through their answers below and be sure to vote when the ballot arrives in your inbox.

Statements and/or videos were a voluntary option offered to all candidates.  Voting for the 2025 ALA elections will open on Monday, March 10, 2025 and close on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

The candidates for the Division Councilor position are:

James Allen

Sue Kowalski

Division Councilor:

James Allen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love that the AASL Strategic Plan is focused on engagement. That first section, “meaningful” engagement, is the one that speaks to me the most. Having help and support in the areas outlined, like best practices, opportunities for leadership, and current trends, forms a strong professional foundation for us as teacher librarians. Establishing, and more importantly, maintaining that foundation is necessary to make real progress in the other two forms of engagement mentioned in the plan, “leadership” and “professional.”

In 2025, we are facing so many challenges in education. It can feel overwhelming and even impossible at times. As school library leaders, we are also constantly welcoming new colleagues into the field who are coming from a diverse array of backgrounds. This “meaningful engagement” focus is one that can help us overcome those feelings of despair while at the same time lifting up our newer school library friends. Helping them understand the complexities of school librarianship and how we can best support our students and schools will pay dividends as we move further into leadership roles. Providing opportunities for this meaningful engagement will also help us make valuable connections beyond our school libraries and school library-specific groups.

Regardless of the outcome of this election, I look forward to supporting AASL, and helping as many school librarians as possible feel engaged in this work. Thank you for your consideration and support.

 

Sue Kowalski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a candidate for AASL Division Councilor, I firmly believe that the most important role of a librarian is to lead—throughout the library ecosystem, within our schools, and in our communities.

Librarians are trained and positioned to be advocates, instructional partners, and change agents. When librarians step up to lead, we amplify our impact, ensuring that libraries reflect our communities as hubs of learning, equity, collaboration, and belonging.

Throughout my 35-year career in public education including 22 years as a school librarian, I have positioned myself as a leader in and through the library.  I have accepted official leadership roles through my District, Region, State, and national organizations and am a passionate and dedicated voice for stakeholders.   As association president, public library trustee, membership chair, department leader, communication coordinator, club advisor, ed foundation member, teacher, adjunct professor, and multiple other roles, I continue to contribute and grow as a leader.

I am committed to understanding the issues, policies, and initiatives that impact our library communities.  I will learn, share, communicate, and be an advocate for change in my role as AASL Division Councilor.  I am passionate, enthusiastic, and committed to the value of librarians and libraries and I  look forward to serving you in this role.