School Librarians
Certification
In January 2004, the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), changed the certification requirements for working in a school library. Under the new code, the requirement for teaching certification has been eliminated, but that doesn't mean you won't have to take some coursework in education.If you already hold an instructional license, you don't need to take further education coursework. But if you have never taken any education courses, the new code states that you must “complete ... college-level study in educational theory, curriculum design and integration, teaching methodology, student/learning development, and behavior management before a standard certificate can be issued.”
SCILS is working with the Rutgers Graduate School of Education to develop a module of classes –likely to be offered online- that will satisfy the education course requirement. Details should be available during the 2005-2006 school year.
New Jersey Certification Links
- SCILS FAQ on school library certification
- NJASL's certification page
- NJ Department of Education’s licensing site (see section 6A:9-13.14 of the New Licensing Code)