Vermont School Librarian Certification Guide - 2024
AKA: School Librarian Endorsement
- Guide Introduction
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Library Staff Licensing Pathways
Licensor: VT AOE
What's Here? - Table of Contents
Being a Vermont school librarian today involves several tasks. You manage books, films, and other media to educate children and adolescents. You provide Internet for people who may be less fortunate not to have it at home. Not only that, but you may introduce technology that’s on the horizon.
Because being a school librarian requires many tasks and responsibilities, you are required to have certification. Certification proves you have the necessary experience and education to be a librarian in a Vermont school.
Initial Librarian Certification Process
Because you are working in a school, the first important document you must have is a Vermont teaching license.
Education Requirements
Since you will work in a public school, you need to have some college under your belt. At the least, you will need a Bachelor’s degree, which is four years in college.
The Bachelor’s degree should have a minimum of 18 credits in library and information science and practicum. In addition, the degree should be in library science or a similar degree.
In education, pursue any relevant internships that can offer the experience needed to become a librarian. Doing this may expedite the process.
Do not be afraid to speak with a counselor or anyone else who can assist with any questions you may have when getting your degree.
Experience Requirements
You will need to complete a practicum, or supervised practical application, to satisfy requirements for the School Librarian endorsement. The practicum must be in school library media services and instruction. The practicum also needs to be divided between a PK-6th grade and a 7-12 setting.
Practicums are usually done through your Library and Information Science degree program.
Additionally, if you have experience that is equivalent to the practicum, this may apply.
Examination Requirements
To pursue a career as a school librarian, you will need to successfully complete an examination. Teaching companies such as Praxis will provide tests to ensure that you meet state requirements.
Completing a test will also ensure that you have retained your education.
If you do not have an out-of-state license that has signed the NASTEC agreement (more on that later,) you will need to take a Praxis Core Academic Skill for Educators exam. This exam will have reading, writing, and mathematics.
To obtain a license, you will need to pass each test. For reading, the passing score is 156. Writing’s score is 162. Mathematics’s score is 150.
Each subtest will have a $40 per test fee and a $50 registration fee. Thus, a combined test will cost $150.
If you’ve taken an SAT, it may qualify as a passing Praxis test. For example, if you have taken an SAT score before April 1st, 1995, you can be eligible if your combined score is 1,000.
The same principles count for other tests as well, including ACT and GRE. So if you have those tests, see if your scores qualify. You can learn more by visiting the Vermont Agency of Education website.
Background Checks
Like any education job, one needs to complete a criminal background check to qualify for a license. If you have not completed a Criminal Record Check (CRC) that is fingerprinted supported after July 1st, 1998, you will need to take a new one. Background checks see if a person has a criminal history, which may affect the application process.
Previous record checks for employment or small student or volunteering teaching jobs do not count.
Background checks will involve asking questions related to your past. There will also be a $13.25 fee that is nonrefundable.
The background check will occur during the teaching license application process, which you can do online.
The rules for background checks will differ if you are applying from out of state. For more information on background checks, view the following Vermont Agency of Education PDF for Criminal Record Check Instructions.
Applying for the License
One can apply for the license through a government office. However, if you do not want to leave your home, you can apply online.
The licensing fee can vary depending on what type of license you obtain. A three-year license, for example, is $200. In addition, there will be a $50 processing fee and a $50 fee per year.
In addition, you will need to pay $13.25 for a criminal record check.
Applying for a School Librarian Job
You will need to find an opening in a school and apply to it. The opening does not have to be a librarian necessarily; it can be any relevant job opening that gives you the chance to work up to becoming a school librarian.
What school you apply to can depend on several factors. Do you want to apply to a Vermont-based school from your childhood? A school in your local area?
What kind of school you want to apply to may also be relevant.
For example, are you good with children? Being an elementary school librarian may be the job for you. On the other hand, do you like working with teenagers and those on the verge of adulthood? A high school librarian may work. If you are someone who likes something in-between, try a middle-school librarian.
Most school districts will have an online application. When applying, be sure to include every bit of information you can, including your license, experience, and education.
Certification Renewal Procedure
You will need to renew your Vermont teaching license every few years to keep yourself certified as a school librarian for Vermont.
Teaching licenses can vary in years. Most will range from 3-7 years, meaning that it may take a long time before you need to renew it. However, renewing your license helps to prove that you are still skilled as a librarian and that you’re up-to-date with new technology.
The renewal process will vary depending on the license you have. A Level 1 license is three years. One must have three credits, or 45 hours, of new learning. If you want to learn more about this, visit the Vermont Standards Board for Professional Learning. You can learn when they meet by visiting their website. (5.)
Those three credits are divided into particular subjects. One credit must apply to the endorsement knowledge and performance standards. The other two need to apply to Vermont’s Core Teaching and Leadership Standards.
Depending on the level of your license, there may be more credits required. To learn more about them, visit the Vermont Agency of Education website.
A majority of the license renewal process can be finished online. You can update your ALiS (Online licensing) profile to make it up to date with Level I licenses. Upload any new professional learning activities. There is a $50 fee for renewing your licensing as well. For more information on the process, you can visit the Vermont Agency of Education website.
Certification Reciprocity Process
Vermont is a state that is part of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement.
This agreement will let people who apply for a state that is a member of the agreement be certified in another state. If you are moving to another state, this agreement can make it easier for you to be a school librarian in another state still.
Vermont has reciprocity with all states except New York, New Mexico, and South Dakota. If you are from these states and traveling to Vermont, you must apply for Initial License through a Transcript Review.
To apply for certification, all one needs in Vermont is a Bachelor’s degree.
For more information on the process, you can visit Vermont’s education website. There, you can learn every single detail you will need for becoming a school librarian.