The Children's Literature Assembly (CLA) of the National Council of Teachers of English is a professional community of children’s literature enthusiasts who advocate the centrality of literature in children’s academic and personal lives. We believe every educator needs a wide and extensive knowledge base of books published for children and young adults. Among our goals, we seek to work cooperatively with other organizations devoted to the promotion of literature in children’s lives.
 
In recent years, CLA has had a publisher liaison serving as a non-voting member of the CLA Board. The publisher liaison serves a crucial role for the CLA mission by helping to encourage the growth of relationships between the educator and publisher communities. The relationship and connection of these communities allows us all to work together to help children discover the joy of reading for a lifetime.
 
CLA is currently seeking nominations for a new publisher liaison. This person would serve a three-year term. Expectations for this position are working with CLA to achieve the following:
 
--Educating members of the publishing community, particularly those beginning in the field, about CLA and its goals and missions
--Encouraging members of the publishing community to participate in CLA initiatives, events, and activities
--Connecting with and educating members of the teacher and librarian communities about the work of the publishing community
--Facilitating connections between authors and illustrators for CLA events and activities
--Providing feedback and input at Board meetings about CLA events and CLA activities
 
Criteria for Selection:
 
The candidate works for a children’s publisher that regularly attends NCTE annual conferences
The candidate is committed to promoting the use of children’s literature in all classrooms, preferably as evidenced by previous experience working with NCTE or other professional organizations
The candidate agrees to attend NCTE annual conferences during the three years of the term
The candidate agrees to be an involved member of CLA, attending two board meetings per year (one held virtually and one at NCTE)  and providing reports on progress and activities related to the expectations listed above.
 
Please submit nominations by December 5, 2019.  The Publisher Liaison committee will provide a recommendation to the Board in early January.