Washington State Library Media Endorsement
Application Instructions and Required Forms

Master of Library and Information Science students who hold current, valid Washington State teaching certificates, who have completed the required coursework, and who have taken and passed the West-E test for Library Media may apply to add the Washington State Library Media Endorsement to their teaching certificate.

The following forms are required for MLIS students who have a Washington State teaching certificate and would like to add the School Library Media Endorsement to their credentials:

  1. The Final Checklist and Cover Sheet outlines the steps necessary to apply for the Washington State Library Media Endorsement.
  2. Library Media Endorsement Completion Document
  3. Application for an Additional Endorsement
  4. Pathway 3 Endorsement Evaluation Form
  5. Practicum (LIS 590, Directed Fieldwork) Evaluation Form
  6. Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate (original)
  7. UW Transcript (unofficial copy, such as a print-out from MyUW is acceptable)
  8. Official transcripts from relevant coursework at other universities (if applicable)
  9. Copy of your West-E test results.*
  10. Endorsement Fee Payment Schedule Form with $15 Endorsement Fee to Educational Service District

MLIS students who have a teaching certificate should contact the MLIS Academic Advisor, Marie Potter, a few quarters prior to graduation.  At this time you will discuss filling out the paperwork and gathering all materials.  Just after graduation from the MLIS program you should contact the MLIS Academic Advisor again so that your paperwork may be officially submitted. 


MLIS students who do *not* have a teaching certificate can not submit the above paperwork or earn an endorsement.  However the iSchool 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 for a school librarian position.  Contact the MLIS Academic Advisor for more information.   


Note that those enrolled in the School Library Professional Certificate Program should contact UW Educational Outreach for more information on the application process through the certificate program: 206-685-8936 or certificate@ese.washington.edu.


*WEST-E Test
The WEST-E test is required of anyone seeking a Washington State Library Media Endorsement.  More information is available at www.west.nesinc.com/WA8_WEST_E.asp as well as the OSPI website.  Note that individuals who hold a National Board Certificate are exempt from the WEST–E requirement if there is a direct equivalency between the endorsements and the National Board Certificate, as approved by the PESB and published by OSPI; check with OSPI for more details.