Frequently Asked Questions about School Media Certification

How can I prepare to become a school media specialist in Iowa?

If you already hold or are eligible for a teaching license in Iowa, you can qualify by completing the state-approved program offered by the School of Library and Information Science. This program (see course listing) will fulfill course requirements for the ALA-accredited Master of Arts degree as well.

What if I don’t already have a teaching license?

If you have not already entered the program in library & information science, you would be advised to obtain your teaching credentials first (at the elementary or secondary level), before seeking admission to the School. This generally requires one year of work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including student teaching. It can be completed at any institution that offers an approved teacher preparation program. If you have already completed your M.A. in Library and Information science, see below.

What if I have already earned my M.A. in Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa but have decided to return to complete the school media licensure?

Students with an M.L.S. who wish to return to complete the School Media Certification should obtain their teaching credentials and then seek readmission to the School as a Professional Improvement student to fulfill the courses required for the certification program. Previous relevant coursework will apply toward the licensure.

Is there a time limit within which courses may to be applied to the program?

To complete the M.A. degree in L.I.S, students must complete all course work within 10 years. For school media licensure, however, there is no maximum time limit set by the licensing agency. If courses are very out of date, the Program Assistant at the School of Library and Information Science will determine whether additional courses must be taken to update skills. This is particularly true for technology courses.

Can I count courses taken at other institutions toward the requirement?

Graduate courses taken at other schools may be substituted if approved by the School of Library and Information Science Transfer Committee. A maximum of 12 s.h. of transfer credit is allowed toward the certificate.

What if I don’t want to get the master’s degree but only certification as a media specialist?

You can certainly do this, however, the school media certification program K-12 requires roughly the same number of hours as the master's degree. The degree gives you more flexibility in terms of future career options. To complete the degree as well as the certification, you simply need to complete a portfolio in addition to the required semester hours.

Do I need to apply for admission to the School of Library & Information Science if I only want to pursue single-level endorsement?

Yes, all students taking more than one or two courses in the School must apply for admission to the program.

Is it necessary to get K-12 endorsement if I want to work only in an elementary (or secondary) setting?

No, single-level endorsement (K-6 or 7-12) is available for the level of your teaching certificate. Single-level endorsement requires only 30 semester hours and does not meet the requirements for the master’s degree. Most students, however, choose to pursue the full K-12 program and seek the single-level endorsement only on a temporary basis for a particular employment need.

Are there prerequisites for School Library Media courses?

Yes, Program Evaluation requires Research Methods. And School Media Practicum requires 15 s.h. of prior L.I.S. coursework and the course School Library Media Administation. Information Literacy requires the corequisite Foundations of Library and Information Science. Students who feel that they have experience or previous coursework that may substitute for a prerequisite may contact the instructor to request an exemption.

Do you know whether most states require School Media Specialists to have a teaching certificate?

Yes, most but not all. For a list of requirements by state, see the June 2000 issue of School Library Journal or check with the state’s department of education to find the most up-to-date information. State requirements can also be found at: www.uky.edu/Education/TEP/usacert.html
Information about State of Iowa School Media licensure requirements can be found at: http://www.uiowa.edu/~edstuser/licensureindex.htm).

Is this endorsement good in other states as well?

Each state has its own requirements and requires that you obtain certification in that state. Most states, however, recognize Iowa’s program and will grant approval to those who have completed it. If you move to another state, check with the certifying agency to find out if your certificate will transfer.

When I complete the program, where do I submit my application for the endorsement?

Applications are available in the College of Education’s Office for Teacher Education and Student Services, N310 Lindquist Center. Ask for Lynn McMorris, the Licensure Analyst (335-5358). School Media applicants can scroll down to the added endorsement section of this site and access the instructions and forms.

For further information about school media education, see: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/libraryedu/libraryeducation.htm