Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Concentration

After completing the state-approved program as a school library teacher, graduates are eligible to be endorsed by SLIS to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for licensure. The academic program is based on the DESE’s standards that must be demonstrated in order to obtain a license. Once you graduate from the program, the School Library Teacher Program will endorse your application for licensure to the DESE.

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) endorses our program and external accrediting agencies commend us on the program's outstanding quality.

In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education cooperates with every state and the District of Columbia through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement which facilitates the movement of educators among the states. This Agreement makes reciprocal licensure/certification possible among states. Specific reciprocal requirements vary from state to state. (Individual state departments of education must be contacted to learn specific state requirements.) As a master's degree program endorsed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, SLIS SLTP graduates can participate in the benefits of this agreement. If you are from outside Massachusetts, however, please check with your state's department of education.

At the conclusion of the School Library Teacher program, graduates are eligible to apply for positions as school library teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Students may complete the master of science degree program in library and information science fully online. Students may choose the DYO (Design Your Own) option, and customize their degree program to reflect their professional goals. Or, they may choose to concentrate their studies in archives management or information science and technology. Students pursuing school library teacher may supplement their on-campus courses with online courses.

Online Courses

Excepting mode of delivery, online courses are identical to face to face courses in content and learning objectives. Online courses are asynchronous, meaning that teaching and learning in the online course environment is not bound to time or place. Just as face-to-face students must meet assignment deadlines set by their instructors and actively engage in learning in the classroom space, online students are similarly obligated to complete assignments on time and participate in learning activities. The difference between the online and face-to-face experience: online students may access and engage with organized learning materials anytime and anywhere they are connected to the Internet.

Because all MS students may register for and participate in online classes, the SLIS online classrooms have become spaces for local and distant students to learn and network.

Attend the LIS Master’s Program at SLIS West in Greenfield, Massachusetts located at Greenfield Community College.  The SLIS West Campus is primarily a part time program geared towards the needs of working students. The small classes, scheduling flexibility, and cohesive community help our working students succeed in the classroom and in their careers.

Courses are scheduled primarily on weekends, with some evening options available. Depending on the area of specialization, program requirements can be completed entirely at the SLIS West campus, although many students take a course or two online or in Boston. Boston students are also welcome to take classes at SLIS West.

• Learn more about Library and Information Science scholarships, fellowships, professional and partner discounts, and other funding sources.