The School Library Media Profession

Michigan Department Of Education Endorsement
In the state of Michigan, K-12 school library media endorsement is added to an already existing teaching certificate. Endorsement criteria and requirements are established by the State of Michigan. Students seeking this endorsement must be able to document the following:

  • a valid Michigan teaching certificate
  • successful completion of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in the subject area of Library Media
  • successful completion of the MLIS degree
  • competency in five areas:
    1. educational/instructional technology
    2. literature for children and young adults
    3. school library media center administration and management
    4. collection development
    5. practicum

Plans of Work
Student Plans of Work (POW) are based on the requirements for the MLIS degree and the competency areas required for Michigan SLM Endorsement. Depending on previous coursework, experience and interest, individual POWs are developed for each SLM student. Requests for transfer courses, waived courses and substituted courses must be approved by an advisor. Students should work closely with an advisor to be certain that appropriate courses are chosen. Changes in the POW must be discussed with the advisor prior to taking a course to ensure that requirements will still be met. School library media students must complete the Plan of Work for School Library Media Specialists.

The School Library Media Profession
Certification and/or endorsement of school library media specialists varies from state to state in the U.S. Canada also maintains specific requirements. In addition, school districts, whether public or private, may have local policies and procedures which impact the hiring of school library media specialists.

Many states and school districts require individuals hired as school library media specialists to hold a valid teaching certificate. The WSU SIS does not provide coursework toward a teaching certificate. Students may contact teacher education offices at any accredited university to inquire about obtaining a teaching certificate. For information on obtaining teacher certification at Wayne State University, please contact the Teacher Certification Office at 313-577-1788.

Other Important Documents and Websites
American Association of School Librarians Information
Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Website
School Library Media Endorsement Student Responsibilities