Current Requirements
The School Library Information 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 Information 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 tracks for School Library Information Specialist endorsement.
Initial Endorsement for Non-Licensed Teachers with No Master's Degree in Library or Information Sciences
For those students who do not hold the master’s degree, the requirements for initial endorsement include the three required courses (IS 510, 520, and 530) plus IS 551, 560, 567, 571, 572, 573, 585, 595 and one elective (upon approval of faculty advisor). In addition, students must complete two corequisite courses from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (six credit hours) that do not count toward the master’s degree requirements. The courses are:
- Educational Psychology 401 (3 hours) Professional studies: applied educational psychology. Application of concepts, principles, techniques and models from Educational Psychology to facilitate student learning and creation of effective classroom environments.
- Special Education 402 (3 hours) Characteristics and needs of students with disabilities and diverse learners with emphasis on educational implications. Techniques, strategies and resources for teaching students with special learning, behavioral or medical needs, and the requirements of special education laws.
Students pursuing the initial endorsement must follow the non-theses option. Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a Master’s Degree in Information Sciences and a Tennessee State Department of Education license as a School Library Information Specialist.
Initial Endorsement for Non-Licensed Teachers with a Master's Degree in Library or Information Sciences
For those students who hold an ALA-accredited master’s degree and have approval of the faculty advisor, the requirements are a maximum of 24 hours within the school’s program, including the required Information Sciences 595. In addition, students must complete two corequisite courses from the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (6 credit hours) beyond the required 24 hours. These courses are listed above.
Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a Tennessee State Department of Education license as a School Library Information Specialist.
Additional Endorsement for Licensed Teachers without a Master's Degree
The requirements include the three required courses plus 551, 560, 567, 571, 572, 585, and 596 (which must be taken twice) plus 4 electives (upon approval of the faculty advisor). Upon completion of the requirements, students will earn a master’s degree in Information Sciences and a Tennessee State Department of Education Additional Endorsement as a School Library Information Specialist.
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.
