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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. HOME | Ashley Cooksey
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Hello

I'm Dr. Ashley Cooksey — educator, researcher, school library advocate, and the person who will always argue that your school librarian is one of the most important leaders in your building.


I teach future school librarians, consult with practicing ones, and study what leadership actually looks like in library spaces. I also do yoga, which turns out to be more connected to all of this than you'd think.

My Story

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Mrs. Williams, my kindergarten teacher, can attest to this.

 

I still claim "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up", but the truth is, I've spent over two decades figuring out that what I really want is to be in the middle of learning. As a classroom teacher, school librarian, and instructional technology coach, I've worked with learners at every level from kindergarten through graduate school, and led professional development for educators across the country.


Today, I'm an Assistant Professor and Program Director for Library Media & Instructional Technology at Arkansas Tech University, where I prepare the next generation of school librarians. I hold a Ph.D. in Change Leadership with an emphasis on Digital Age Curriculum and Instruction, with a dissertation focused on something I care deeply about: what school librarian leadership actually looks like from the inside.


That question drives most of what I do. I believe school librarians are among the most underrecognized leaders in education, and I've built my research, teaching, and consulting around helping them lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Along the way, UDL, student agency, equitable access, and technology-enhanced learning have become non-negotiables in how I approach everything.


I'm also a registered yoga teacher...and yes, mindfulness and library leadership have more in common than you might expect.

 

Recognition:​

  • ISTE Making It Happen Award | Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (2023)

  • Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Herb Lawrence Leadership Service Award (2022)

  • UCA Wellness Champion Award (2022)

  • Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Technology Leader of the Year (2021)

  • Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Pat McDonald Outstanding Individual Achievement Award (2019)

  • AASL Social Media Superstar Award | Advocacy Ambassador (2018)

  • Arkansas Library Association Retta Patrick Award (2014 & 2018)

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

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