Any School librarians out there?

[Merandab4]

Hi there,
I currently hold a teaching certificate and teach at a high school. I am wondering what all I would need to do to become a school librarian/media specialist. I am certified in two different subject areas. when I became certified in my second area, all I did was study and take the PRAXIS exam. Can I take the PRAXIS exam to become a librarian too, or do I definitely have to get a masters degree in it? I am finding too much conflicting information. I don't want to ask my principal or any school administrators at this point, because I just started teaching in a different subject area as it is.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

My understanding is that to have an MLS, you do indeed need a masters (in library science) which is needed to be a librarian almost anywhere.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

You need a MLS. I'm working on a project right now for one of my classes for my MLS. Ok, well, I am not working. I am procrastinating. Back to it!

 

[december]

I guess it varies by state, because here you only need to pass the Praxis. I teach at a high school, and our librarian is only 26 yrs old and is starting her masters in elementary ed next school year (just for the pay raise). This is her 2nd year as librarian. She taught English for 2 yrs prior to taking the librarian job. I am working on my masters in school counseling, but I'm also going to take the praxis to become a certified librarian. Our middle school doesn't have a counselor or full time librarian (not enough kids) and our high school librarian has to spend a few hours a day there (it is 5 miles from the high school). I've been talking to the principal about possibly becoming the counselor and librarian. He is new this year, doesn't even have an asst. principal, and is excited about the idea of getting some help. We are just hoping the funding comes through.

 

[paintnolish]

In IL, dh (school librarian) says you can get an endorsement onto your original teaching certificate to be a librarian. So, if you were HS, you could only do HS. He thinks in IL it is 24 credit hours of classes. Hope that helps! PM if you need to know anything else!

 

[Footnotegirl]

It really depends on the school system. Some schools will hire you even without a teachers degree if you're just going to work in the library (small private schools, generally) but for the most part, the basic requirement is both a teaching degree and an MLIS, or an MLIS (MLS, MLI, what have you) with a certificate for school media specialist.
Be aware that in our current economic state, a lot of schools are purging their libraries. It is probably easier to get a job as a teacher than as a school librarian.

 

[TaraLee4]

It really depends on the school system. Some schools will hire you even without a teachers degree if you're just going to work in the library (small private schools, generally) but for the most part, the basic requirement is both a teaching degree and an MLIS, or an MLIS (MLS, MLI, what have you) with a certificate for school media specialist.
Be aware that in our current economic state, a lot of schools are purging their libraries. It is probably easier to get a job as a teacher than as a school librarian.

The bolded makes me sad....I spent many many happy hours in my school libraries...always the library and the arts programs first....

The OP, no advice, but good luck!!

 

[yoopermom]

Unemployed school librarian here Here in MI they've cut almost all of the "professional" school library jobs unless you're in a major city. It breaks my heart. I just went back and got my sp.ed. certification in order to earn one more year for my retirement, but am on layoff from that job now, too.

To answer your original question, call your local university and ask to talk to someone in the teacher certification area, they'll know what's required in your state. Or, your state's DPI should be able to tell you, as well...

Terri

 

[december]

The information I gave above is for public schools in MS. We also still have a teacher shortage here, and I don't know of anyone cutting library or other staff. So the responses are going to vary from region to region. *We don't make much money here, but we do have great retirement benefits and job security!

 

[horseshowmom]

The information I gave above is for public schools in MS. We also still have a teacher shortage here, and I don't know of anyone cutting library or other staff. So the responses are going to vary from region to region. *We don't make much money here, but we do have great retirement benefits and job security!

Like december, I'm in Mississippi. This is my second year as a school librarian. You probably need to check with your state dept. of ed since the requirements are going to vary by state.

In our state you can take the Praxis (as was mentioned) or you can do an add-on endorsement (21 hours of coursework that can be completed online). It is required that you already have a valid teaching license.

Those options are available because we do have somwhat of a librarian shortage in our state (according to our state dept. of ed.). A friend of mine took the Praxis and started this year (like me, she's been in education for many years) at a different school in our county. There just are not many certified individuals available. However, since these jobs don't often have vacancies, there might not be openings in the immediate area.

That said, I have encouraged several teachers that I know to take the test. It's one of the best jobs I have ever had, and you never know when the opportunity will present itself (better to be prepared ).

 

[paintnolish]

Dh likes his job and gets paid a little more than other teachers due to an extended contract. He has not found it difficult to find a job (this is his second-moved 3 years ago) since there aren't many librarians out there, especially youngish male ones! I think it really helps to be up on technology since that is where everything is heading. He also does some intervention programs with the younger kids since he is only a few classes from his master's in spec. ed.

 

[horseshowmom]

Be aware that in our current economic state, a lot of schools are purging their libraries. It is probably easier to get a job as a teacher than as a school librarian.

In our state, the library media specialist is a mandated part of school accreditation (although it can be a half-time position in small schools) and is required by law.

I have seen para-professionals work under the supervision of a certified librarian. For example, our junior high and high schools share a campus but are in different buildings. There is a library in each of the buildings. The junior high school library is staffed by a para-professional while the high school has a certified librarian. Technically, they are the same school though.