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Course Requirements

The courses outlined below cover the competencies required in the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards for the Library Information Specialist. The core concepts of information access and delivery, teaching and learning, communication, and program administration are addressed within the context of the required courses.

Special focus is placed on the philosophies of elementary, middle, and secondary schools, along with the developmental psychology of K-12 students. Collaboration with all members of the school learning community and a commitment to scholarship, leadership and service are emphasized.

MLIS with Type 10 Special K-12 Teaching Certificate

The MSLIS requires 36 semester hours of coursework. Required Courses (listed in the recommended sequence) for completion K-12 certification:

  • LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
  • LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
  • LIS 704 Reference and Online Services
  • LIS 773 School Libraries (visitation hours required)
  • LIS 721 Library Materials for Children
  • LIS 722 Library Materials for Young Adults
  • LIS 724 Media Services and Production (visitation hours required)
  • LIS 716 Communication for Leadership
  • LIS 725 Curriculum and School Libraries (visitation hours required)
  • LIS Electives: 9 semester hours

Total: 36 semester hours

Clinical Practice:

Additionally, one of the following clinical experiences is required to complete the clinical practice component of the program. These course numbers do not carry course credit but appear on your transcript.

  • LIS 728 Clinical Experience I—Student Teaching (For candidates without a current valid Illinois teaching Certificate)
  • LIS 729 Clinical Experience II—Internship (For candidates with a current valid Illinois teaching certificate)

Endorsement on a Type 03 (K-4) Teaching Certificate

  • LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
  • LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
  • LIS 704 Reference and Online services
  • LIS 716 Communication for Leadership
  • LIS 721 Library Materials for Children
  • LIS 724 Media Services and production
  • LIS 725 Curriculum and School Libraries
  • LIS 773 School Libraries

Students are encouraged to take LIS 729 Clinical Experience—Internship.

Endorsement on a Type 04 (K-3) Teaching Certificate

  • LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
  • LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
  • LIS 704 Reference and Online services
  • LIS 716 Communication for Leadership
  • LIS 721 Library Materials for Children
  • LIS 724 Media Services and production
  • LIS 725 Curriculum and School Libraries
  • LIS 773 School Libraries

Students are encouraged to take LIS 729 Clinical Experience—Internship.

Type 09 (Middle and Senior High) Teaching Certificate

  • LIS 701 Introduction to Library and Information Science
  • LIS 703 Organization of Knowledge
  • LIS 704 Reference and Online services
  • LIS 716 Communication for Leadership
  • LIS 722 Library Materials for Young Adults
  • LIS 724 Media Services and production
  • LIS 725 Curriculum and School Libraries
  • LIS 773 School Libraries

Students are encouraged to take LIS 729 Clinical Experience—Internship.

Students working in middle grades 5, 6, 7, and/or 8 must meet all the above requirements and must take 6 hours of education courses in middle school philosophy, curriculum and instructional methods and in educational psychology focusing on the developmental characteristics of early adolescents and the role of the middle grade teacher in assessment, coordination and referral of students to health and social services.

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