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The Virginia Association of School Librarians awarded Dr. Elizabeth Burns as the 2021 School Library Educator of the Year at the annual VAASL Conference this month. Every year, VAASL recognizes one individual for their outstanding contribution in developing school library programs and for professional leadership in the field of school librarianship. This honor is one of many for the Associate Professor of Library and Information Studies.

Dr. Burns has a long and distinguished career at 51情报站. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, MSED with School Library Media, and a B.A. from 51情报站. She has taught school library courses at 51情报站 since 2014 and was appointed Associate Professor in 2020. During that time, she developed and taught numerous courses including Library Media Services and the Curriculum, Methods and Strategies for the School Library, and Culturally Responsive Librarianship. She also has extensive work as a school librarian and teacher primarily in Department of Defense Schools. Her leadership and service to the American Association of School Librarians has been extensive. She was a member of the team authoring the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians and School Libraries. She is currently co-editor of AASl's premier research journal, School Library Research, and author of the forthcoming book with ALA Assessing Learners: Using the AASL Standards to Measure Competency and Growth.

Dr. Burns' leadership and mentorship has been instrumental in the preparation of countless school librarian candidates who have gone on to lead their own school libraries. Quotes from colleagues and students describe her impact:

  • "Dr. Burns is a passionate educator, strong advocate for her school library students and the school communities they serve, and for our teacher education programs as whole."
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  • "Dr. Burns has been a tremendous asset to both students and 51情报站. She has gone above and beyond to continue to create opportunities for us students."
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  • "I feel very prepared to enter the field. I was given a variety of opportunities to learn about the role and mission of a librarian. I can't say enough great things about Dr. Burns. She cares about student learning and development. She is always willing to provide guidance and counsel regarding coursework and career decisions."
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  • "Throughout our matriculation, Dr. Burns was a constant role model and cheerleader. Dr. Burns often went out of her way to answer any questions we had about what we were learning. She encouraged us to share our successes both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Burns also helped me to create a framework for being a librarian that I carried with me into my student teaching and school librarianship. I know that Dr. Burns' mentorship is partially responsible for my success as a first-year librarian."

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Burns on this well-deserved honor!

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