School Library Media Specialist Licensure

Welcome to the School of Information Sciences' School Library Media Program!

The School Library Media Specialist Program is accredited by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, through the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The Tennessee State Department of Education requires School Library Media Specialists to hold the master’s degree.

To complete the licensing requirements for the state, students must pass the PRAXIS examination, which assesses the skills of beginning teachers in classroom settings.

The School of Information Sciences offers three options for the School Library Media Specialist endorsement. Choose the option that corresponds to your current situation to view the requirements for your endorsement.

Option1: Endorsement for non-licensed teachers with no Master's degree in library or information sciences.

Choose this option if you do not have a teaching license AND do not hold a Master's degree in library or information sciences.

Option 2: Endorsement for licensed teachers without a Master's degree in library or information sciences.

Choose this option if you are a state-licensed teacher but do not hold a Master's degree in library or information sciences.

Option 3: Endorsement for non-licensed teachers with a Master's degree in library or information sciences.

Choose this option if you hold a Master's degree in library or information sciences but are not a licensed teacher.

(Please note that the School of Information Sciences no longer offers the add-on-only endorsement).

Upon graduating from SIS, the School Media Certification is transferable to over 30 states across the country. To transfer your certification, simply send your Tennessee license to your “new” home state’s department of education with accompanying transcripts and any relevant information that is required. A new certification should be granted with no additional courses demanded.

Applicants who seek licensure and who hold a current Tennessee teaching license should contact either Dr. Cindy Welch (865) 974–7918, or Marion Vose (865) 681–6298, for further information.