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Texas iSchool Launches School Librarian Certificate Program

Teens and Tots

In early October 2019, the University of Texas at Austin School of Information launched its new School Librarian Certificate Program. The certificate program will be coordinated by Dr. Barbara A. Jansen, an educator with over 35 years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, K-12 school librarian, and university instructor.

As a school librarian, Jansen was committed to collaborating with teachers to fully integrate information literacy skills, content objectives, and technology into the curriculum, while creating a culture of reading on campuses. Now as coordinator of the School Librarian Certificate Program, Jansen brings this expertise to the Texas iSchool’s newly restructured program.

Jansen explained why the value of this certificate program would continue to pay off. “Children require passionate and knowledgeable school librarians to help them effectively identify, evaluate, and use information to become innovative creators of new knowledge.”

“Today’s school librarians foster children’s ability to think critically, providing them with the skills they need to analyze, form, and communicate ideas in compelling ways,” explained Jansen. “But what’s more, school librarians continue to cultivate a passion for reading –and the ability to read in multiple formats.”

The School of Information is currently accepting applications for the summer 2020 cohort of school librarian certification students.

Jansen expressed her enthusiasm about the new program and encouraged passionate, motivated teachers who wished to make a broader impact on teaching and learning at their schools to apply. “If you are passionate about working closely with students, teachers, administrators, and parents to help shape strong and caring citizens for our communities and global workplaces, then school librarianship is for you!” she explained.

“Current teachers with at least two years’ classroom experience in a Texas public school or accredited private school should apply,” said Jansen. “School librarianship could be the next exciting phase of your career!”

Aligning the goals of the School Librarian Certificate Program with those of the Texas iSchool, Jansen emphasized the dedication towards producing school librarians who will become leaders in their field, and continue to create modern library programs that prepare the public school children of Texas for their college, career, and military experiences.

As coordinator of the program, Jansen will host several live information sessions throughout the month of October. The goal of these virtual sessions is to provide additional information and answer questions related to the School Librarian Certificate Program.

Sessions will be held via Zoom platform.

  • October 8 at 5:30 p.m.
  • October 9 at 8:30 p.m.
  • October 10 at 4:30 p.m.
  • October 12 at 11:30 a.m.
  • October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
  • October 15 at 6:30 p.m.
  • October 17 at 5:30 a.m.
  • October 22 at 8:00 p.m.

To learn about additional Program information and application details, visit the School Librarian Certificate Program page. Frequently asked questions about the program can be found on the School Librarian Certificate FAQ page.

The School Librarian Certificate Program is currently the only program offered at the University of Texas at Austin for current teachers and educators who wish to pursue school librarianship.

“Be a part of something special,” said Jansen. “Join the inaugural class of 2020 and experience the newly restructured School Librarian Certificate Program at the University of Texas at Austin!”