Beth is our intrepid President-Elect and is in charge of all of our professional development programs. She works at Helena H. Dyer Elementary School in South Portland, which is grades K-5. The professional development innovation she developed for us around the Maine book awards has been a game changer! Check out this year's Padlets, get some great teaching ideas from your colleagues, and maybe add an idea of your own:

Chickadee

MSBA Padlet

North Star YA

This is her second year in this position. She worked at a high school previously. She made the move because she was ready for a change. She wanted to see students on a more regular basis and really have the time to spend on reader's advisory with each student. She also specifically wanted to work in South Portland because of its collaborative model. Teachers come to the library with their classes so there is the opportunity to collaborate on a weekly basis. At first, this felt a bit intimidating, but now it feels so authentic that she wouldn't want it any other way.

One of the things she focuses on as a school librarian is building community whether it is through collaboration, student helpers in the library, or school-wide literacy and STEAM events. MASL builds community at the state level.

Beth says, "I don't think I would have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing colleagues from around the state if I was not a MASL member. I relied on these colleagues when I was considering making the move from high school to the elementary level and even now if I need inspiration, I reach out and ask for help. In these times of book challenges, we need to see each other as a resource. We need to be here for each other before we face any obstacles so that we don't ever feel like we are facing this alone. I run into MASL members all the time, I even ran into another member at my hair salon!"

Beth points out that the MASL Board is working to make these connections even stronger. We want representation from all over the state and we want to make sure everyone feels connected, no matter the size of your district or how many years you have been working in a school library. Feel free to reach out to any Board member if you have any suggestions on how we can do this better! And, of course, you haven't had the full MASL experience until you have volunteered for a committee. If you are interested just reach out! You will meet new people and learn so much!