91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Jamie Becker has been selected as one of two participants sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in the 91´«Ã½’s (91´«Ã½) 2020 Emerging Leaders program. The Emerging Leaders program enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. Becker and Nick Weingardt will join 48 of their peers as the program kicks off at the 2020 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

Becker, of Wright City, Missouri, earned a Master's of Education in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri in 2012 and a Master's of Arts in education from Lindenwood University in 2016. Prior to this, Becker completed post-baccalaureate elementary teacher preparation at Western Governors University and earned a Bachelor of Science in communicative disorders at Northern Illinois University.

Becker is currently the school librarian at Wright City (Missouri) High School, where she increased circulation by almost 700% in her first year managing and maintaining the 7,500-volume high school library learning commons. At Wright City, Becker collaborates with classroom teachers to present lessons on introducing learners to the high school library. She has also developed and coordinated promotions for various events, including battle of the books and blind date with a book.

When asked what she hoped to gain through participation in the Emerging Leaders program, Becker replied: “I am excited to continue developing as a leader in the school library profession and learning about many of the opportunities that 91´«Ã½ has to offer. I know that the Emerging Leaders program will allow me to do this and more. I look forward to working with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about librarianship as I am and to work on projects that will benefit countless others in our profession. It is an honor to be named an 91´«Ã½ Emerging Leader and be sponsored by AASL.”

Following the kickoff session in Philadelphia, the Emerging Leaders will collaborate with their peers in an online learning and networking environment. Their work will culminate with a poster session during the 2020 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago. With its sponsorship of Becker and Weingardt, AASL will defray the cost of attending both the 2020 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting and the 2020 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.