Workshop Description: Save the Date!
AISA is delighted to introduce a Librarian Practice Group for members across the region, with the theme “Programming That Works.”
Hosted virtually, the practice group sessions will feature keynote inputs, collaborative discussions, and interactive workshops designed to empower librarians with practical, effective programming ideas. Sessions will highlight successful community-driven initiatives, evidence-informed strategies, and inclusive models that meet the needs of international schools across Africa.
Participants will collaborate in discussion forums, exchange templates and toolkits, and connect in virtual networking spaces. With a strong focus on real-world impact, the practice group will offer both inspiration and actionable insights. Members will finish the series with renewed confidence and a digital toolkit full of strategies to make library programming truly work in their school communities.
Come away with new ideas to bring to your library and enduring connections with fellow librarians and assistants from international schools across Africa.
Sessions:
1) Using Social Justice Picture Books With All Ages
Participants will explore how thoughtfully chosen picture books can spark reflection, foster empathy, and strengthen school culture, even with the youngest learners. The workshop will share a replicable structure librarians can bring to teachers, along with example book sets aligned to common guiding statements and core values such as respect, responsibility, empathy, courage, and global citizenship.
2) Critical Literacy in the AI Age
This session offers practical ways librarians can help students question information, compare sources, and build strong habits for interpreting what they read and see across digital spaces.
3) Revitalizing Classroom Libraries
As ambassadors of all things books and literacy at a school, librarians can have an integral part of extending their library services to the classrooms. Learn practical strategies to improve classroom libraries, support teachers and learners in caring for their classroom library, and ultimately get more books in the hands of students across your school.
…and more!
Target Audience: Librarians, Assistant Librarians, Aspiring Librarians
Fees: No cost for AISA Members
Facilitators:
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Shannon McClintock Miller is an internationally recognized teacher librarian, speaker, consultant, and author who advocates for education, technology integration, and student voice. She serves as the Director of Innovation of Instructional Technology and Library Media at the Van Meter Community School District in Iowa.
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IRachel Cannon is an educator and leader at the American International School of Lagos, where she serves as Primary Learning Leader Lead and Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator. She focuses on creating school cultures where every student feels seen, valued, and connected, and she supports teachers in strengthening instructional practice through equity-centered PLCs, coaching, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Rachel is also an ISTE Certified Educator, a credential that reflects her commitment to innovative, learner-centered teaching and the thoughtful use of technology to support deeper engagement. She designs professional learning on inclusive literacy, leadership, and the use of picture books to build community. Her work is shaped by the belief that belonging grows through everyday interactions and intentional storytelling. Rachel presents across the AISA network and has written for The International Educator on teacher leadership and inclusion.
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Jeannette Washington is a speech-language professional and international educator. She has trained teachers in over forty countries, and built resources that support literacy development and student inquiry. Jeannette is the creative director of Bearly Articulating, where she helps educators curate learning experiences that spark curiosity and strengthen student thinking.
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Leah is an international educator with 18 years of experience teaching and leading in Mexico, China, Vietnam, and Mozambique. She has worked across all Primary School grades as both a homeroom teacher and librarian, building strong connections with learners and colleagues worldwide. She currently resides in sunny San Pancho, Mexico and is partnering with international schools as a consultant to bring heart to schools through library transformations. When she’s not teaching or consulting, Leah enjoys running, camping, and reading.
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Details to follow.