School Library Media FAQ
The following addresses typical questions of MLIS students who would like to work in a school library.
Is the School Library Media Endorsement required to work in a K-12 public school library?
- Yes. To work in a K-12 public school library you must add a Library Media Endorsement to your teaching certificate. While some K-12 public schools may consider MLIS degree holders without teaching certificates, the majority want Teacher Librarians with the School Library Media Endorsement on their teaching certificates.
What specific courses do I have to take for the School Library Media Endorsement?
- To earn the Washington State Library Media Endorsement, you must take specific electives (LIS 522, 561, 565, 566, 568, and 585), specific core (LIS 500, 510, 520, 530, 550, 560, and one information technology core course of your choosing), and Directed Fieldwork (LIS 590). Note that to earn the MLIS degree you must also take LIS 570 and 580.
What type of Directed Fieldwork is required for the endorsement?
- There is a required practicum (LIS 590, Directed Fieldwork) for all students pursuing the Library Media Endorsement. This practicum must be done with a certified Teacher Librarian at a K-12 school so that you may observe learners and teachers in a library media setting and participate in activities that further your professional growth goals and address required Library Media Endorsement competencies. Upon completion of your Directed Fieldwork your site supervisor/mentor will fill out the “Practicum Evaluation Form”.
Can I waive out of any core courses because I have a teaching certificate?
- Yes. MLIS students who have a teaching certificate sometimes opt to waive out of LIS 560 (Instructional Training Strategies for Information Professionals). To waive out of any core course fill out the "Petition to Request Waiver of an iSchool Departmental or Program Requirement" form found in the MLIS Student Guide.
I have a Washington State Teaching Certificate, what paperwork do I have to fill out for the endorsement?
- The Information School provides guidelines for MLIS students with current, valid Washington State Teaching Certificates. You are responsible for filling out the appropriate forms and gathering the required materials to apply for the endorsement; please refer to the guidelines for application. Completed forms and materials should be sent to the MLIS Academic Advisor for further processing.
I have a teaching certificate from another state, what paperwork do I have to fill out for the endorsement?
- The Information School only has paperwork for MLIS students from Washington State. For those who are not from Washington, you will have to check with your state to determine specific requirements. The U.S. Department of Education website lists contact information for all 50 states plus commonwealths and territories.
I do not have a teaching certificate, but plan to get one in the future -- what are my options?
- Because you do not have a teaching certificate you technically can not earn a School Library Media Endorsement at this time. But if you plan on getting a teaching certificate in the next few years, we recommend that you take all the required coursework for you to be prepared to file the paperwork for the endorsement in the future. After you get a teaching certificate, you can contact the MLIS Academic Advisor who will work with you on applying for the endorsement.
I do not have a teaching certificate, and do not plan to get one in the future -- what are my options?
- Because you do not have a teaching certificate you technically can not earn a School Library Media Endorsement at this time. You can, however, plan on taking the required coursework for the endorsement so that you have a theoretical base in school library work. Since you plan on never getting a teaching certificate, your options for working in a K-12 public school library are very limited. However the Information School can provide you with a letter verifying that you have completed relevant coursework in the school library media area. While most K-12 public schools only hire Teacher Librarians with a teaching certificate and SLM endorsement, some private or alternative schools will consider an MLIS degree holder without a teaching certificate (who have completed the SLM coursework) for a school librarian position.
How do I get a teaching certificate in Washington State?
- Those seeking a teaching certificate in Washington State should visit the State Department of Education/Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction website. The University of Washington Teacher Education Program offers a Masters in Teaching (M.I.T.) degree for elementary or secondary teaching. There are also a number of in-state college/university programs to help you in teacher preparation and endoresments.
How do I get a teaching certificate in another state?
- The U.S. Department of Education website lists contact information for all 50 states plus commonwealths and territories. Those seeking a teaching certificate in Oregon should visit the State of Oregon: Teacher Standards and Practicies Commission website.
What is the K-12 Resources Guide?
- The K-12 Resource Guide is maintained by UW Educational Outreach, and is designed to increase awareness of K-12 programs affiliated with the University of Washington. This online, searchable database helps teachers, parents, and students find learning opportunities throughout the UW campus.