91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – Stephanie Goh has been selected as one of two participants sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in the 91´«Ã½’s (91´«Ã½) 2022 Emerging Leaders program. The Emerging Leaders program enables 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. Goh and Laurel Taylor will join 47 of their peers as the program kicks off virtually during LibLearnX.

Goh, of Kirkwood, Missouri, earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education from Missouri Baptist University. She is currently the library media specialist for Ferguson-Florissant School District and has served in many different capacities in the field of education including teacher, tutor, and reading specialist.

Goh has been nominated for teacher of the year three times and received the honor in 2019. This was especially momentous for Goh as it was the first year the school operated as an intermediate school after district restructuring. Among the award’s criteria is a demonstration of leadership within the building and making a measurable impact on students’ lives.

To help her students grow, Goh implemented a One School, One Book program using “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o and facilitated meaningful and honest conversations with students and staff about topics such as colorism, racism, and prejudice. She supports equity, diversity and inclusion in her building by purchasing books that are mirrors and windows and by leading discussions to help students have a better understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

When asked what she hoped to gain through participation in the Emerging Leaders program, Goh replied: “I am excited to be a part of this important program that has helped librarians garner the needed skills to be leaders not only in their school district but in their region and state as well. I can't wait to be able to learn from librarians across the country, which will allow me the opportunity to be a better librarian and to help me be a leader with other librarians across the state of Missouri.”

Following the kickoff session, 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 2022 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. With its sponsorship of Goh and Taylor, AASL will defray the cost of attending both LibLearnX and the 2022 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.