University of Maryland, College Park (University of Maryland, School of Information)

The University of Maryland iSchool will expand the Lilead Fellows Program from the current long-term professional development opportunity offered only to a single cohort to a sustainable program available to all leaders in school libraries across the country. The expanded program, based on lessons learned from the first iteration of the Fellows Program, will feature online professional development for school library leaders and a second cohort of 25 library supervisors who seek to be activists and advocates for school libraries at the district level. The project focuses on professional development using strengths-based leadership, transformational change, effective communication, and evidence-based practice. Activities include three in-person meetings at the beginning, middle, and end of the program? virtual progress meetings throughout the program? and four short online courses.