AASL Announces Candidates for 2026 Election

CHICAGO – Barbara Johnson and Heather Thore will seek the 2027-2028 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) presidential term during the 2026 American Library Association (ALA) election.

Barbara Johnson is an educator and library leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing school librarianship and instructional technology. She currently serves as the Instructional Technology Coordinator for Colchester Public Schools, following prior roles as a Certified School Librarian and Technology Specialist. At the state level, she has held leadership positions with the Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL), the Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA), and statewide educational technology and literacy advisory boards. Earning her MLIS from Mansfield University, Johnson has been a member of the American Association of School Librarians since 2013, serving in national leadership roles, including AASL Board Director-at-Large and Chair of the AASL Chapter Assembly. She has presented at AASL National Conferences for over a decade, created the widely used #TryThisOnMonday professional learning series, and in 2021, led the movement for the adoption of the AASL Standards by the Connecticut Department of Education.  Johnson’s work has earned recognition, including the 2023 Connecticut Library Consortium Collaborator Award, the 2022 CASL Irene Kwidzinski Service Award, and distinction as Colchester District Teacher of the Year and Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Semi-finalist.

“It’s time to stand up and speak out: 'Stop messing with the School Librarians!’ said Barbara Johnson. “For too long, our voice, power, and passion have been underestimated. Each and every one of us must fight for the dollars, hours, and resources we need just to do our jobs. Should we have to: NO; Do we: EVERY DAY.” Johnson adds, “Through strong leadership and countless volunteers, AASL continues to grow as a powerful wave; gaining momentum, height, and strength. After my term on the AASL Board of Directors, I just had this nagging feeling that my work for this organization, for librarians, and for the students we serve is far from over. I want to be your voice when you feel unheard, to amplify your message when it’s lost in the noise, and to stand beside you as we declare together: ‘We are here, we are united, and we will stand strong for our libraries!’”

Heather Thore is a school librarian currently serving as the School Librarian at Robert Anderson Middle School and as an Adjunct Librarian for the University of South Carolina. Thore holds a BS in Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University, an MLIS from the University of South Carolina, and completed her EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University in 2025. Thore has served at the national level of AASL, including the AASL Board of Directors and the AASL Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning committee. In South Carolina, Thore has held leadership roles within the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, including President, Presidential Advisor, Secretary, and Information Technology Chair. She earned the 2019 AASL Leadership Grant and used it to launch the influential SCASL Emerging Leaders program. Her recent doctoral research on culturally responsive pedagogy has further informed her work in fostering positive teacher-student relationships and supporting inclusive, effective school environments.

“I'm grateful to be nominated for AASL President-Elect and the amazing opportunity it represents," said Heather Thore. “I am passionate about collaboration and leadership engagement, two of AASL's core values. I believe that passion will help me drive AASL to cultivate leadership pathways that reflect the diversity of our membership, and ensure all members feel supported.” Thore adds, “Our state chapters are the backbone of AASL, offering community, professional learning, and leadership development more locally. By strengthening those partnerships - through listening, clarity, and shared goals - we can help school librarians, state chapters, and AASL thrive, bringing us closer to AASL's vision. If elected, I will prioritize strong chapter partnerships, expanded leadership engagement opportunities, and transparent communication to ensure every member feels empowered”

The full slate of AASL candidates for the AASL Board of Directors and for the three AASL Sections (ESLS, ISS, and SPVS) can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/about/elections. Voting for the 2026 ALA elections will open on Monday, March 9, 2026, and close on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. All candidates have been invited to share a statement and a video, which will be posted on AASL’s Knowledge Quest website starting March 2, 2026.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA) empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.