The University of Vermont offers graduate educational opportunities for those interested in school library media studies to gain licensure in Vermont, as well as for certified educators seeking recertification and professional development. School Library Media Specialists are educational leaders and resource specialists in pre-K schools, who collaborate with other educators to provide equitable access to resources and information for all students. The two strands of courses reflect current standards for school librarianship as described by the American Association for School Librarians (AASL), the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and Vermont Standards for Educators.

School Library Media Sequence

The University of Vermont has designed a series of courses to help educators gain licensure as school library media specialists. The School Library Media Studies Sequence of six graduate level courses is designed for both those with and without teacher certification. Non-educators may need additional coursework. The curriculum addresses the essential competencies for school library media specialists required by the State of Vermont as listed within the Educator Licensing web site, but licensure is not automatic.

Upon completion of the series, qualified individuals may request transcript analysis by the Vermont Department of Education. Individuals may pursue licensure and endorsements through transcript or peer review, depending on their status as educators and their backgrounds. For further information about the process and the competencies, contact the Educator Licensing Office.

Contemporary Issues in School Librarianship Series

This strand of graduate level courses within the School Library Media Studies program is provided for certified school librarians who are seeking additional professional development around issues that are critical in 21st Century schools. Organized within a 24/7 online course management system, school librarians in practice are able to access course materials and content according their own work and personal schedules.

A cohort experience is developed through a community of practice model, with opportunities to collaborate with other participants with similar interests and expertise through a variety of Web 2.0 tools and social media, in both asynchronous and synchronous sessions. Webcasts with authors and presenters can be viewed real time or as recorded events. The emphasis within each course focuses on theory and best practice for the identified topics. Participants are encouraged to self design projects that offer immediate practical application to individual interests and needs. The overarching goal is to achieve success for improving student learning and equitable access to resources and technology through a school library media program in local educational communities. The courses reflect standards and goals for National Board for Professional Teachers Certification for Library Media Specialists, as well as, standards for Library Media Specialists established by the American Association of School Librarians.

The courses may be taken individually, or as a series. The series officially begins in Fall 2012.