School Library Certification Program

Fall Term of Entry only.

The School Library Certification Program (SLCP) will allow you to earn both your MLIS degree and your Instructional I teaching certificate in Library Science, K-12, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You will gain the critical skills needed through competency-based learning experiences in collaboration with practitioners. You will be prepared to embark upon one of the most challenging and rewarding careers in the Library and Information Sciences field.

As a school librarian, you will:

• work with educators in the teaching-learning process;
• help K-12 students learn;
• contribute your skills in evaluating and using resources in all media; and
• use instructional technology to help teachers and students learn.

To be employed as a school librarian in a Pennsylvania public school, you must hold a valid Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate in Library Science, K-12. If you want to become a library media specialist in an elementary or secondary school, the Library and Information Science Program offers two options, both of which are approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

If you want to become a school library media specialist in another state, you can visit the PDE Web site for a list of reciprocal arrangements. Currently, Pennsylvania has a signed interstate reciprocity agreement with 45 states. If you hold a valid teaching certificate from another state, you should consult with Dr. Biagini in planning your program.

SLCP has three options to meet your needs:

1. Library Science Endorsement Option, (K-12): If you already hold a valid PDE teaching certificate
2. Library Science Intern Option, (K-12): If you want to earn an initial teaching certificate
3. Supervisor of Library Science Certificate Program: You must hold a valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate in Library Science, K-12, and have five years of experience working as a school librarian. This is the only PDE-approved program in Pennsylvania.

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SIS is a member of the ISchools Caucus