Online Master of Education (M.Ed.), School Library and Information Technologies
Cynthia Keller, Chairperson
717-816-6995 (home office); email ckeller@mansfield.edu
The mission of the School Library & Information Technologies graduate program is to empower school library media specialists with the skills and knowledge to assume an essential role in their school as leaders, instructional partners, information specialists, teachers, and program administrators of library and information services. The program supports fully the university’s Creed, which emphasizes Character, Scholarship, Culture and Service.
In developing the program the following core documents guided curriculum design: Empowering Learners, the national standards; Standards for the 21st Century Learners, a document that offers vision for teaching and learning; Standards for Pennsylvania School Library Certification and Practice, the state school library association standards; and the Pennsylvania Department of Education Library Science Standards for the Preparation of Public School Educators. These guidelines represent the best thinking in the profession and reflect the emerging role of the school library media specialist as a critical educational leader.
Certified teachers who enroll in the Master of Education degree program in Mansfield’s School Library & Information Technologies graduate school are know as “candidates.” Candidates who complete the degree program will meet the national standards established by NCATE (the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education) and AASL (the American Association of School Librarians), a division of the American Library Association. The ALA / AASL NCATE Standards for School Library / Media Specialists are embedded into the online courses, assessments, and competencies of the program.
Our online program emphasizes practice-oriented outcomes and offers the candidate four significant advantages:
- Close bonds with faculty who are committed to sharing their many years of practical experience and leadership in the school library community
- Convenience of online courses designed for working adults who cannot or find it difficult to attend a traditional library school
- Close collaboration with practitioners and leaders in the school library community who provide advice in course development
- Authentic assessment of practical, standards-based skills to enhance the learning experience
Candidates completing the 32-34 semester hours of course work earn an M.Ed in school library and information technologies and can be awarded K-12 SLM certification by their state’s department of education. Candidates who are already certified school librarians complete ten 3-credit courses, a 1-credit Introductory Seminar and a 1-credit Practicum for a total of 32 semester hours. Candidates without school library certification and practice in the field as a school librarian complete ten 3-credit courses, a 1-credit Introductory Seminar and a 3-credit Practicum for a total of 34 semester hours.
Most students can complete the online master’s program in two to three years. A one year completion is possible but not recommended for candidates holding a job. Candidates are allowed up to five years to complete the program. Every course is offered at least twice each year. Many courses are offered during summer. For additional information, refer to the website: http://library.mansfield.edu
Return to: