(In your first paragraph, include personal information). Introduce yourself, briefly share your role and your school.

(Share the facts). Research shows that schools with strong school library media programs show greater rates of success. According to a recent survey conducted by the Tennessee Association of School Librarians, the results specifically show that librarians are central to technology integration in their schools, are actively leading professional development, and are seeing the majority of their students on a weekly basis. The survey also shows that 55% feel their library is inadequately funded to meet minimum collection requirements, and 52% of school librarians are being assigned non-library related duties, which take them away from serving students in the library. The results also show that many inadequacies exist across the state and many districts ignore state minimum requirements for staffing libraries.

(State what you’re asking for). I am asking that a State Coordinator of School Library Services be appointed to the Department of Education. The appointment of a state coordinator will help to assure that school library media specialists and their respective districts receive leadership, advocacy, and advisory services pertinent to their needs at the state level. Our libraries need to be properly funded and properly staffed with certified school librarians so that we can best support our students and support education initiatives in Tennessee. Students in Tennessee deserve the best. A State Coordinator of School Library Services will work to give our students exemplary school libraries. 

 

Sincerely,

Your Name