In my KQ Blog post
Supporting Each Other, I suggested using this Chapters Forum for state leaders to share ideas around tackling educational policy issues and advocating in their states...and to support each other. I thought that I would kick off this conversation by providing some information about potential support from teacher unions.
Although I know that the strength of the teacher's union in each state varies, I wanted to let you all know that the NEA resolutions committee proposed an update to their Resolution Statement B-72. School Library Media Programs at the latest NEA Representative Assembly (RA) in Chicago in early July. See below for that statement. The statement in bold italics was the statement that was added to this resolution already calling for all students to have access to an effective school library staffed by a certified school librarian. Thus, the teacher union in your state may be a partner in your organization's advocacy activities. If you haven't already reached out; you may want to do so.
I know in Michigan, the MEA has been trying to support school librarians (and teachers) in defending our students' freedom to read. In at least one case, and MEA Lawyer provided advice to a school librarian receiving threats from parents. The MEA Voice Magazine also did a
five-part series on the Freedom to Read.
I'd love to hear other ideas about potential partners in your states.
Thank you to everyone for all you do to support the school librarians and learners in your states!
--Kathy
B-72. School Library Media Programs
The National Education Association believes that all students must have a comprehensive school library media program within their educational settings. This program should include a full-time certified/licensed school library media specialist and qualified education support professionals in every school; a variety of print, nonprint, and electronic resources to supplement and complement curricular, personal, and leisure needs; relevant technology; and instruction in library research and critical information literacy.
The Association further believes that school library media specialists have the expertise and knowledge to select media for their communities. The Association believes that school library media programs are negatively impacted if media specialists do not have substitutes during their absence.
The Association encourages increased funding for school library media programs from federal, state, and local governments as well as other sources such as public and/or private partnerships. (1980, 2021)
https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2022-07/Report%20of%20the%202021-2022%20NEA%20Resolutions%20Committee_0.pdf------------------------------
Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA
AASL President 2022-2023
ALA Councilor At Large, 2021-2024
ALA Committee on Library Advocacy Member
MAME Advocacy Chair, Past-President 2014
School Librarian, East Middle School, Plymouth, MI
kathylester.lib@gmail.comkathyL@mimame.orgTwitter: @LibraryL
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