Library Information Specialist Endorsement for Illinois Teaching Certificates
The Department of Educational Leadership offers a program of study leading to the Master of Science in Education degree with a major in Instructional Technology. The program prepares persons for a variety of instructional development and technology-related positions in education, business, and industry. Options within the program include Educational Technologies, Library Information Specialist, Instructional Design and Performance Improvement, and Interactive Multimedia Technologies.
The Library Information Specialist Option is designed for K-12 educators who hold a teaching certificate within the State of Illinois and are interested in augmenting their personal knowledge of library information sciences. Students can choose to work toward a master’s in Instructional Technology or participate as non-degree students to pursue an Illinois State Board of Education Library Information Specialist endorsement on an existing teaching certificate.
Students who are interested only in the Library Information Specialist Endorsement on their current Illinois teaching certificate may register for courses as an “endorsement only” student, after being admitted to the IT program. At the time of admission, students should indicate to their academic advisor their interest in being admitted as “endorsement only” students.
The Library Information Specialist option enables teachers and other school personnel to learn how to plan, implement, and evaluate library information-based activities in P-12 settings. Students pursuing this option will become knowledgeable users of library information as well as designers of curriculum and instruction that effectively utilize and integrate library information to improve student learning. Students interested in the Library Information Specialist Endorsement can work towards meeting the standards for the Illinois State Board of Education’s Library Information Specialist Endorsement through this program.
Students who are not enrolled in the IT Master’s program and are interested only in the Library Information Specialist Endorsement may register for classes as a non-degree student on a space-available basis. Library Information Specialist Endorsement permits a currently certified classroom teacher to work as a school media specialist at the P-12 school level (elementary or secondary) for which she/he is certified. Students may complete 24 semester hours for the Library Information Specialist Endorsement, which is issued by the Illinois State Board of Education. Students must pass a state-administered exam to receive the endorsement on their existing Illinois State teaching certificates.
Graduates of the program will be well qualified to work as a librarian or media specialist both in education and industry settings. Classroom teachers also may use this program to better integrate technology into their classroom.
