Teacher Librarian MA Program
The University of Iowa's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) offers a state-approved distance education program that equips teachers to be K-12 teacher librarians. The graduate level program leads to the Iowa endorsement as a K -12 school teacher librarian (TL) and is especially designed for working teachers interested in becoming school librarians. Our online classes are offered both synchronously, one day a week for 2.5 hours, and asynchronously. TL students participate in live classes with campus students, increasing opportunities to collaborate, build collegial relationships, and learn from practicing experts in the field.
The curriculum for the TL program also fulfills the requirements for a MA in Library and Information Science. This degree is a path to careers in all types of libraries and information related professions. As a TL student, your curriculum is set; there are very specific courses you must take. For a list of these courses, please go here.
Students in the program should plan to take two courses a semester (six credit hours) for six semesters, including two summers, in order to complete the TL curriculum and MA within two years. Students who are interested in school librarianship but do not have an Iowa teaching license may take an additional 29 semester hours in the College of Education that leads to an Iowa teaching license and TL endorsement.
Courses will be delivered primarily via video conferencing allowing students to “attend” class from any location with a high-speed internet connection. Students may also attend class on-campus. Required on-campus attendance is limited to two and a half days at the beginning and end of the summer sessions.
SLIS offers teachers holding a current Iowa teaching license a $1,000 stipend each semester when enrolled in two courses to help offset the cost of tuition. Students will assume responsibility for the balance of tuition costs, student fees, course materials, travel, and any other costs associated with their studies. School librarianship has continued to be among the “teacher shortage areas” in Iowa (Iowa Department of Education). Teachers in shortage areas may be eligible for college student forgivable loans through both state and federal programs. Information regarding application for forgivable loans is available at the Iowa College Student Aid Commission website.
Application materials to be submitted for fall admission. Please go here for how to apply to the program.
These materials include:
- Application to The University of Iowa Graduate College
- Transcripts from all institutions other than The University of Iowa
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Copy of your current Teaching Certificate
For more information, please contact Jackie Biger, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Instruction, Teacher Librarian Program: jacqueline-biger@uiowa.edu
University of Iowa Graduate College requirements for Admissions