91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The Ohio Educational Library Media Association (OELMA) is the recipient of the 2017 American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 grant is given to AASL-affiliated school library associations for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional, or local levels.

To prepare Ohio’s school librarians for future-ready leadership, OELMA will use the funds from the grant to present a leadership academy titled “Make Leadership Your Superpower” in March 2018. The program’s objectives include examining what leadership looks like in a highly effective school library program, assessing and reflecting upon personal leadership strengths and weaknesses, and preparing school librarians for the next step in the Ohio Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) roll out.

“Even though there were a number of applicants for the ABC-CLIO Award this year, Susan Yutzey's grant proposal for OELMA’s leadership academy was the clear winner,” said Sedley Abercrombie, award committee chair. “The program’s goals, objectives, and outcomes were clearly defined and the thorough planning on behalf of OELMA will certainly contribute to the success of this two-day event fostering leadership skills in Ohio school librarians.”

After implementation, OELMA will make resources and materials available to affiliate organizations who wish to replicate the academy through the OELMA website.

The AASL award winners will be honored at the AASL Awards Ceremony & President’s Program during the 2017 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago. The ceremony will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. All are welcome to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers during this recognition event.

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