Online Librarian Certificate Program

Welcome to CU Denver and the #1 School Library program in Colorado!​ Our School Library program has changed dramatically in recent years to reflect changes in digital information and media literacy and learning technologies. School libraries can and should be the heart of the school where students, staff, and administration look for collaborative support. Teacher Librarians are now called upon to help lead instructional technology planning, instruction, collaborative teaching partnerships with colleagues, instructional coaching and professional development, as well as providing culturally responsive students resources to help them succeed in their studies.

The fully online Teacher Librarian Leadership endorsement program within the LDT master's degree program is a revised and approved teacher librarian education program that leads to the Colorado Department of Education endorsement for teacher librarians. The program integrates 21st Century Learning Standards as approved by the American Association of School Libraries with Common Core content standards and leadership competencies. The program adheres to the constructivist theory of resource-based learning, teacher leadership, instructional coaching, and media literacy.

The program believes that teacher librarians as endorsed by a state’s department of education require education as a teacher as well as a librarian, as advocated by the American Library Association and the International Association of School Libraries. As a teacher librarian, you will provide collaborative instructional planning, facilitation of professional learning, utilization of information literacy, online instructional resources, and teacher leadership through the management of your library program and online. Courses are offered in a completely online program.

Program Details

Once admitted, students begin a plan of study that typically takes about two years to complete. Contact an Enrollment Navigator for more program specific information.

The Teacher Librarian endorsement does not stand alone and may only be added to an existing teacher license. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, a Colorado teaching license, and have completed the Teacher Librarian Leadership MA program through CU Denver.

Professional Expectations

All students in the endorsement program are expected to show a strong commitment to the program and to maintain high academic, professional and ethical standards. Inappropriate or unprofessional conduct is cause for discipline or dismissal from the program.

Technology Expectations

The endorsement program uses computers and related technologies either as a focus or a tool for learning. Students are expected to obtain an e-mail account and check it frequently. In addition to on-campus facilities, students need convenient access to Internet-connected computers off campus, either at their place of work or at home. In addition to textbooks, software purchases may be required or recommended for specific classes.

Students have a choice between completing the requirements for the teacher librarian endorsement only or the full master's program with the teacher librarian endorsement. The endorsement requires a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours while the master’s program requires 30 graduate credit hours. Students complete a plan of study consisting of courses and professional field experience. Students must be licensed as a teacher or plan to complete a teacher endorsement prior to seeking the additional endorsement as a Teacher Librarian. This is a Colorado Department of Education requirement.

Tuition and Fees

Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Tuition and fees are based largely on the degree program you enroll in.

Tuition is determined based on which CU Denver program is chosen, undergraduate or graduate level, and finally your resident status. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Timeline

The endorsement requires a minimum of 24 graduate credit hours while the master’s program requires 30 graduate credit hours.

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first time student, a transfer student, or an international student. 

Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting an Enrollment Navigator today.

Career Outlook

Graduates with a Teacher Librarian Endorsement have a very wide range of career opportunities available to them.

Our students go on to work in a variety of professional roles, including:

• Teacher Librarians

• Young adult or children's public librarians

• Digital Literacy, Tech, or Instructional Learning coaches

• Educational Technology Specialists/Media Literacy Coordinators

• Curriculum coordinators

• Online course designers/Instructional designers

• Professional Learning Coordinators

• University instructors

Example Courses
INTE 5360 Critical Digital Pedagogy
SCHL 5030 Cultivating Learning Skills in Library Leadership
SCHL 5160 Managing School Libraries
SCHL 5200 Promoting Literature in Schools
SCHL 5913 School Library Field Experience
INTE 5300 Media Literacy