This post part the series discussing the origins of the Association of Academic Support Educators, founded in 2013. Written by Toni Miceli.
My first time at an academic support and bar prep conference was three days into my new job as the Director of Bar Exam Preparation at Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU Law). I flew to sunny California to attend an LSAC Newcomers Workshop back in August 2011, and I remember being grateful to have that immediate opportunity to learn from others in the field, particularly as I was still digesting what the program I was stepping into looked like. While I learned a TON of information on effective teaching and feedback pedagogy at that workshop, the most important lesson I learned from was that I had just become part of an amazing community of educators who went above and beyond, not just for their students, but for each other. I returned from that trip with so many ideas that I wanted to implement in my program and the email addresses of those newfound colleagues who were happy to answer my questions along the way.
A little over a year later, I received an email on the old Chicago Kent ASP list serve announcing the Inaugural Conference of the newly formed Association of Academic Support Educators, being hosted by the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law from May 28 to May 30, 2013. I jumped at the chance to attend, knowing that I would come back full of ideas yet again. What I didn’t realize was that I would also return to St. Louis a member of the new Bar Advocacy Committee, that within months would be drafting a letter on behalf of AASE to the ABA Standards Committee opposing proposed changes to ABA Standard 316. Not only had I met new colleagues in the field at that first AASE conference, but AASE had also given me allies with whom I could work to advocate for my students and our profession. I was again reminded that I was part of a community, and I quickly learned that our voices were stronger together.
It is hard to believe we are approaching the 10th anniversary of that first AASE conference, but when I pause to assess where I am in my career, the growth of my role and program here at SLU Law, and even the friends I have on my iPhone favorites list, I can see the impact that 10 years of AASE has had on me. AASE gave me incredible and brilliant mentors who blazed a path in the academy through their teaching and their scholarship. AASE gave me a voice as a new ASP/bar prep faculty member, providing me with a platform to present my own ideas before a national audience, and later gave me the opportunity to lead through my roles on the Executive Board. AASE gave me recognition within my own school, both by giving me confidence in my newfound expertise and by allowing me the privilege of hosting the 6th annual AASE conference in May 2018. But most importantly, AASE gave me each of you – my colleagues and friends in the ASP/Bar Prep community. You are generous with both your time and your teaching materials. When we had to cancel the May 2020 conference due to the pandemic, I was blown away by how many of you stepped up to facilitate online workshops to fill the void and stay connected to one another. Ironically, that pandemic period ended up being my most productive publication period ever because of my fellow AASE members, who reached out and encouraged me to accept new writing opportunities, read my drafts, and celebrated with me each step of the way.
So, to those of you who are new to AASE, as I was new the first time I came together with this amazing group of individuals, I can’t tell you how excited I am for what is in store for you this May at the 10th Annual AASE Conference. But even more so, I am excited for all that comes after for each of you. May you find the joy, confidence, friendship, inspiration, understanding, and home that I have found with my AASE family. See you in Santa Clara!
