School Library Studies (MA)
Teacher Librarian Master's and Endorsement Program
Preparing teacher librarians to serve as leaders in technology and literacy, teachers of digital citizenship, media specialists and advocates for lifelong readers.
- Online master's degree and Iowa school teacher endorsement program - including options for elementary (#108), secondary (#109), or K-12 (#174) endorsements
- Next cohort begins: August 2024
- Apply by February 1 and receive $100 priority scholarship!
Features
Entirely Online | 33 Credits | 2 Years
- Mentored by faculty with K-12 teaching experience, you will find a K-12 connection infused throughout all courses
- Courses prepare you to teach technology and literacy and lead school-wide learning, through co-planning, co-teaching, and providing print and digital resources to students and teachers
- This program is for those looking to become K-12 teacher librarians and/or qualify for one or more of the Iowa teacher librarian endorsements:
- K-8 Elementary School Teacher Librarian – #108
- 5-12 Secondary School Teacher Librarian – #109
- K-12 School Teacher Librarian – #174
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.
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Joan Bessman Taylor Program Coordinator Associate Professor, Curriculum & Instruction |
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Jamie Anderson Enrollment Contact jamie.anderson@uni.edu |
Students only interested in the Iowa School Librarian endorsements should contact the department at librarystudies@uni.edu for advisement.
UNI Continuing Ed Production Build
All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system. View the course sequences below:
Our graduates are prepared to become:
- Teacher librarians
- Teacher leaders
- Technology integrationists
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum directors
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
All coursework is offered online. Most courses meet once a week in the evening via Zoom interactive video conferencing and are supported using Blackboard, a learning management system. View the course sequences below:
Our graduates are prepared to become:
- Teacher librarians
- Teacher leaders
- Technology integrationists
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum directors
Individualized Support Services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
To be admitted, students must have:
- An applicant statement (limit 500 words) in response to a question about teacher librarianship. The question can be found in the online application and the statement should be uploaded as a PDF (the statement will be waived for applicants with a prior master's degree).
- 3.0 GPA in a completed degree program
- Teaching license or completion of teacher education coursework
- Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Financial aid and scholarships are available for both part-time and full-time graduate students in the online School Library Studies program. To get started, contact the UNI Financial Aid Office for information and for assistance with filing out the FAFSA. Graduate students enrolled in 5 or more credits per semester can qualify for some forms of federal financial aid.
Teach Iowa Scholars and Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Since teacher librarian is one of the Iowa Teacher Shortage Areas designated annually by the Iowa Department of Education, students who earn a degree in School Library Studies may be eligible for forgivable loans or grants through both state and federal programs. This program provides for educators teaching in shortage areas and/or low-income schools. These programs are administered by outside agencies, but it is recommended that you first consult with the UNI Financial Aid office about these options.
TEACH Grant
The federal program provides grants to students earning degrees in shortage areas including teacher librarianship. Eligible graduate students must contact the UNI Financial Aid office to request to have the TEACH Grant added to their financial aid offer.
Scholarships
College of Education (COE) Scholarships
The Be Well School Library Studies Endowed Scholarship and the Rigmor Madsen Scholarship Endowment Fund give funding to students in School Library Studies, with the Rigmor Madsen scholarship giving priority to a non-traditional female student. Applications are due by April 1.
The COE Dean offers Dean’s Graduate Scholarships of $1500 to multiple students. Apply for the COE Dean's scholarship here.
PACE Scholarship
UNI teaching alumni who are pursuing an online graduate program can apply for a $2,000 PACE scholarship. Submit your PACE scholarship application online.
Next Steps
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply for Scholarships
Check out the scholarships (listed above) being offered by the College of Education and Online & Distance Education to qualified students. Call 319-273-7206 or email online@uni.edu with any questions or if you need assistance!
Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Heather Wood
"The learning that I experienced during the School Library Studies program was incredible! I definitely 'didn't know what I didn't know' when I began this process, and there were times during the process that I questioned my sanity, things didn't make sense and I struggled. However, I discovered that the more I learned through my classes, the more everything made more sense!"
Class of 2022, School Library Studies MA