Think back to when you first became a school librarian. Who helped you find your way? Was there a mentor who answered your questions, a colleague who shared their resources, or someone who encouraged you to take on a leadership role before you believed you were ready?

Most of us can remember someone who made a difference in our professional journey. Now consider another question. Who are you helping along that same path?

Recently, the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) endorsed the Quality Educator Partnership Act. The proposed legislation addresses educator shortages by supporting recruitment, preparation, mentoring, and professional development. Importantly, it specifically includes school librarians and library media specialists as essential educators.

While legislation can help create pathways into our profession, we have a responsibility to help people succeed once they begin that journey. We also need to encourage others to consider becoming school librarians in the first place. Leadership isn’t only about what we accomplish ourselves. It’s also about developing others who will carry our profession forward.

How can you be a part of encouraging and supporting future leaders?

Look for potential. You probably know teachers who love reading, enjoy research, or have a talent for connecting students with information. Have you ever suggested they consider school librarianship? Sometimes people don’t recognize possibilities until someone else points them out. Share what you love about your work and the opportunities the profession offers. You may plant a seed that grows into a new career.

Be a mentor. Think about what you wish you had known when you started. Could you share that knowledge with a new librarian? Mentoring doesn’t require a formal program. Invite a colleague to observe a lesson, offer to review a project, or make yourself available when questions arise. And remember that mentoring is a two-way relationship. New librarians bring fresh perspectives and ideas that can help us grow as well.

Encourage leadership. Not everyone sees themselves as a leader. You know how strongly Hilda believes that leadership is not dependent on having a title. When you recognize leadership potential in a colleague, tell them. Encourage them to join a committee, present at a conference, or become involved in their state library association. Offer support as they take those first steps. Your encouragement may give them the confidence to try something new.

Share your knowledge. Over the years, you’ve developed strategies, resources, and relationships that make your work more effective. Don’t keep them to yourself. Participate in your PLN, contribute to professional discussions, and share what you’ve learned from both your successes and your mistakes. Your experience can save someone else time and help them avoid unnecessary frustration.

Developing future leaders also requires us to give others room to grow. That means allowing them to try new approaches, make decisions, and sometimes make mistakes. We can’t expect people to become confident leaders if we never give them opportunities to practice leadership.

The future of school libraries depends on more than funding, legislation, and professional standards. It depends on people who understand the importance of our work and are prepared to continue it.

This week, think about someone who could benefit from your experience or encouragement. Reach out. Share an idea. Offer your support. Someone helped you become the librarian and leader you are today. Who will follow in your footsteps?