Resources I will use to continue my growth and tune my practice as a school librarian.
Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL)
Virginia Association of School Librarians (VAASL) is a place where I will stay up to date on events, professional development opportunities and trends in school libraries in Virginia. I will use this resource to be connected to what is happening locally. Specifically, I plan to attend the annual conferences put on by VAASL. I also plan to use this resource to keep up with VA reads book lists for lists of noteworthy books to include in my classroom and home library.
American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is a national organization specifically for school librarians. This organization provides resources, standards and professional development for school librarians. In particular, I plan to use the AASL standards framework to guide my lesson planning when I am working as a school media specialist. I also plan to align my school library philosophies with their common beliefs.
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is a division of the American Library Association. This organization specifically addresses the needs of teens. I plan to use the books lists and professional development opportunities while working with teens in the school library. Teens are a particularly hard age to motivate, I am looking forward to using this resource to find innovative ways to engage this population.
Ed Tech: Focus on K-12
Ed Tech: Focus on K-12 is a magazine and online resource about technology that focuses on technology use and integration in the k-12 classroom. I will use this resource to stay up to date on new technologies. As a media specialist, I will aim to integrate technology into the school library as much as I can. This will be an important resource for me to stay abreast on new technology and practices.
Knowledge Quest
Knowledge Quest is a bi monthly (September to June) journal published by the American Association of School Librarians. This journal addresses issues specific to school librarianship. I will use this resource to stay up to date on best practices and relevant trends in school libraries. I am particularly interested in the Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Blog posts
School Library Journal
School Library Journal has a plethora of articles, news and blogs about school librarianship. As the title suggests this resource is geared specifically to school libraries and will be a valuable resource for any school librarian. I am particularly interested in this resource for the vast information they have specific to classroom lessons, book lists and technology.
National Humanities Center
The National Humanities Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing resources and education to the general public about the humanities. This resource will provide me with the resources to continue my education beyond school. Furthermore, I want to use this resource to educate myself on the concept and use of Open Education Practice (OEP) and Open Education REsources (OER). I think this is a trend that will only gain popularity and I want to be educated on this movement.
DiversifyOurNarrative
DiversifyOurNarrative is a student led group fighting for racial and social justice in the school systems. They are working towards a more inclusive curriculum and practices in the schools. This organization provides webinars, resources and even reading lists. I am inspired by the message of this group and by the fact that it is student led. It makes me hopeful and excited for the future of a more inclusive education system.
Mrs. ReaderPants
Mrs. ReaderPants AKA Leigh Callazo is a school librarian and educator. She has taught all grade levels in schools in Texas and internationally in China. On her blog and social media she shares lesson ideas, school library management tips and even book reviews. Leigh’s hands-on experiences will help me to grow into my role as a librarian and learn from a veteran with many great things to share.
Gerry Brooks
Gerry Brooks is an educator and now school principal in Kentucky. He uses social media to post funny, but poignant, videos about what it is like to work in a school building. Gerry focuses on climate and culture in schools and how to raise up educators and students using positive and inclusive strategies. His outlook on education and focus on the emotional health of educators is why I find him to be a great resource for me.