School Library Media

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
https://www.towson.edu/coe/departments/edtech/grad/school-library-media-certificate/

Program Director: David Robinson 
Phone: 410-704-6301
Email: [email protected]

The school library media certificate program is designed for educators who already possess a Master's degree, Maryland State Department of Education Teaching Certification and wish to pursue Maryland State Department of Education library media specialist certification. The certificate program prepares candidates to fulfill the following five dynamic roles of the school library media specialist as identified by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL):

• teacher
• instructional partner
• information specialist
• leader
• program administrator

Upon completion of the PBC program, candidates are eligible to apply for Maryland State Department of Education "Library Media Specialist" certification. 

The following American Association of School Librarian (AASL) School Librarian Preparation Standards (2019) apply to the candidates preparing to develop and manage school library and information services:

Standard 1: The Learner and Learning

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are effective educators who demonstrate an awareness of learners' development. Candidates promote cultural competence and respect for inclusiveness. Candidates integrate the National School Library Standards considering learner development, diversity, and differences while fostering a positive learning environment. Candidates impact student learning so that all learners are prepared for college, career, and life.

Standard 2: Planning for Instruction

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs collaborate with the learning community to strategically plan, deliver, and assess instruction. Candidates design culturally responsive learning experiences using a variety of instructional strategies and assessments that measure the impact on student learning. Candidates guide learners to reflect on their learning growth and their ethical use of information. Candidates use data and information to reflect on and revise the effectiveness of their instruction.

Standard 3: Knowledge and Application of Content

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are knowledgeable in literature, digital and information literacies, and current instructional technologies. Candidates use their pedagogical skills to actively engage learners in the critical-thinking and inquiry process. Candidates use a variety of strategies to foster the development of ethical digital citizens and motivated readers

Standard 4: Organization and Access

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs model, facilitate, and advocate for equitable access to and the ethical use of resources in a variety of formats. Candidates demonstrate their ability to develop, curate, organize, and manage a collection of resources to assert their commitment to the diverse needs and interests of the global society. Candidates make effective use of data and other forms of evidence to evaluate and inform decisions about library policies, resources, and services.

Standard 5: Leadership, Advocacy, and Professional Responsibility

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are actively engaged in leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and professional networking. Candidates participate in and lead ongoing professional learning. Candidates advocate for effective school libraries to benefit all learners. Candidates conduct themselves according to the ethical principles of the library and information profession.