Any library media specialists out there? Question about the Career?

Question

I'm going to be changing my career from journalist to an English teacher. I've been researching and I am very interested in the job of a library media specialist for many reasons. Can you tell me what your day in the life is in the school setting? Should I teach for a few years as a english teacher and then try to be a library media specialist? What education is involved in making this transitioni? I have a BS in Journalism and a MS in New Media. I plan on going to a university to work on their 1 year certification program for already degreed students and I am starting to take all my pre-requisites to be an Engish teacher. Is there anything else I can do for this transition?

Answer 1

Either way you go, experience is a question always asked on an interview board or application, therefore, ensure you have what you need to succeed.  Teaching English is a great profession but does not necessarily qualify you as a Library Media Specialist.  Each state has its own requirements for teacher certification criteria and specializing is no different.  Whatever your state requires, the PRAXIS, CBEST, et al, that is what you will have to follow.  There are 50 states, with each having its own requirements, some harder than other states.

Answer 2

I suppose that should be alright as per norms and rules, but let us ask the all - knowing Webbie on the subject :

The following are the links and the sites which will guide you for your requirements for becoming a library media specialist :

The School Library Media SpecialistAn online graduate course for School Library Media Specialists. ... section to read the Syllabus, explore the Calendar, Requirements and Checklist. ...

eduscapes.com/sms/ - 5k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Certification Requirements for Library/MediaE. Academic Requirements for Library Media - 36 semester hours. NOTE: The Provisional Certificate requires the completion of six (6) credits as indicated in ...

www.ri.net/RIEMA/certif.html - 8k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

New Jersey Media CertificationNew Jersey School Library Media Specialists are certified by the New Jersey State Department of Education. Requirements for certification can be found on ...

www.njasl.org/MediaCert.htm - 11k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Today's Media and Knowledge Specialists | Scholastic.com“That requirement separates the library media specialists in the public schools from those in the private sector.” How to Find the Best and Brightest ...

www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp... - 47k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

Role of Library Media SpecialistThe library media specialist is an essential link in a new educational learning community which includes students, teachers, administrators, and parents as ...

www.bcps.org/offices/lis/office/admin/... - 8k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this

ALA | School Libraries & You: K-12 StudentsThis AASL Resource Guide is a bibliography of useful resources about becoming a school library media specialist. bullet point Library Promotional Events ...

www.ala.org/iconn/askkc.cfm - 23k - Cached - Similar pages - Note this