Thinking about becoming a school librarian? The LIS program offers Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary (DESE) approved courses to meet requirements for K-12 School Librarian Advanced certification.
Important Disclaimer: Our Student Coordinator (sislt@missouri.edu) can refer you to the appropriate person to make sure you have current information.
Advanced School Library Media Certification – For individuals who already hold a teaching certificate
If you are a certified teacher, you may meet DESE requirements by completing courses taken as part of the LIS masters program or as a non-degree seeking student. This is a critical decision; no more than nine credit hours of LIS graduate course work may be carried into the master’s program.
DESE grants K-12 School Librarian Advanced certification in Missouri. To determine your status with regard to Missouri certification requirements, send official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts with a cover letter requesting your transcripts be evaluated to:
Margery TannerMissouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102
You will receive a Deficiency List detailing the remaining requirements you need to complete (10-12 weeks). The Deficiency List will be used to plan your course work. Full documentation regarding K-12 school librarian certification requirements are available on the DESE Website. http://www.dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/rulesregs/EducCertManual/documents/04SecondaryEducation04-09.pdf
Consult the list of DESE Requirements and corresponding approved courses to see which courses you need to take. Requirements for Advanced K-12 Library Media Specialist Certification and Corresponding DESE Approved MU Courses
Out of State Certification
Requirements for certification as a K-12 School Librarian vary from state to state. We will work with you to facilitate the certification process in your chosen state. Should you choose to be certified in Missouri through taking the Library Media Specialist Examination of the Praxis II, the certification is for Missouri only and may not apply to other states.
If you need additional information, please contact the Student Coordinator’s Office at (573) 884-2670 or (877) 747-5868 (Toll Free) or e-mail your questions to sislt@missouri.edu.