Program Overview
School Librarians in the Digital Age: Instructional Leaders at the Heart of All School Learning
The school librarian profession is truly unique. School librarians are the only educators in the school building who are at the center of all school learning. They are certified instructional leaders who manage programs that foster student achievement, critical thinking skills, and lifelong learning. They curate diverse print and digital resources, teach information literacy, and promote a culture of reading.
School librarians connect learning to real-world applications while ensuring equitable access for the entire school community. They collaborate with educators across disciplines, supporting research and innovative technology use, and creating safe, inclusive, flexible in-person and virtual learning environments.
For Practicing Educators and Career Changers
UVM's Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in School Library and Media Science offers professional preparation to become a licensed school librarian with the skills to create robust learning environments for school communities.
Career outlook for the profession is strong. Like many other states, Vermont has an unfulfilled need for professional school librarians.
Optionally, CGS credits can be applied toward our Advanced Specialties in Educational Practice (ASEP) M.Ed. Conversely, applicable ASEP credits may be applied toward the CGS.
"I’m thankful for the professors who shared their expertise on best practices, for my mentors that coached me to get better and more confident in my knowledge and skill, and for my fellow students who helped create a learning community." – Emily Wood, School Librarian
Licensing
Our curriculum addresses the essential competencies for School Librarians required by the State of Vermont. 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), ALA/AASL/CAEP School Librarian Preparation Standards (2019), and Vermont Standards for Educators.
Whether seeking an initial teaching license or opting to add School Librarian endorsement to an existing Vermont license, successful completion of the program leads to recommendation for a School Librarian endorsement, which can be used to apply to the Vermont Agency of Education for an appropriate credential.
Contact
Questions? Please email Program Coordinator Deborah Ehler-Hansen at Deborah.Ehler-Hansen@uvm.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
