Endorsement Program for the School Library Professional
(Summer, Online + Classroom Combined, UW campus, Seattle)
Developed in partnership with the UW Information School

Overview  |   Courses  |   Instructors  |   Advisory Board  |   Apply
Get Started

Program Starts: Summer 2010
Apply now

Single courses may be available
Stay Connected

Get e-mail updates

Contact us:
206-685-8936
E-mail

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can print an application form now.


Admission Requirements

  1. Current teaching credential and baccalaureate degree
  2. K-12 teaching experience (one-year minimum)
  3. Coursework in children's or young adult literature - no waivers*
  4. Basic computer competency, including literacy with word processing, e-mail and the Internet
  5. Currently working in a school is preferred

English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.

International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.

See Application Process below for a listing of documents required when applying to the program.

* If you haven't met this requirement by the time you apply, you may be accepted on the condition that you complete it by the end of the program.

Technology Requirements

Students in their cohort group begin accessing information resources and communicating electronically during the first summer residency. After they return home and take online courses, they interact with instructors and other students primarily online and via telephone. Students should be familiar with Internet searching, and have a Web mail account (one that can be accessed via the Web). They also should be able to use e-mail to communicate and transfer documents. Each participant is expected to have daily access to the Internet and a computer (either PC or Mac) equipped to support current technology standards and potentially large media files.


Application Process

The 2010-2011 program begins in June 2010. Applications are accepted and reviewed in the order they are received. They will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the program is full. Don't hesitate to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us if you have any questions.

To apply, you must submit one copy of the application form with a $50 nonrefundable program fee and three stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

  1. A typed (300-word maximum) letter of application describing (a) your relevant work experience, including an example of collaborative teaching, (b) how you expect the program will meet your professional goals, and (c) your level of technology skills;
  2. Your résumé listing education and relevant experience;
  3. A letter of recommendation from your principal or a colleague;
  4. A copy of your current teaching certificate; and
  5. An unofficial transcript showing prior coursework in children's or young adult literature (see Admission Requirements for exception).

Applications are evaluated by reviewers. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. The program fee does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance as soon as possible after their application is reviewed. Applicants accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term courses. Accepted applicants are encouraged to make their tuition payment early, as enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

When the program reaches enrollment capacity, those applicants who are eligible to enroll will be placed on a waiting list for the program. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to register. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the program's next academic year.


Fees and Tuition

Fees are $2,442 for Summer Quarter 2010, $1,674 for Autumn Quarter 2010, $1,674 for Winter Quarter 2011, $3,000 for Spring Quarter 2011 and $1,536 for Summer Quarter 2011. The cost for the entire program is $10,326 In addition, there is a $50 nonrefundable program fee to apply and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each quarter. Textbooks and other materials are extra. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included on registration materials. A portion of the tuition may be used for a student reception.


Graduate Credit

Students accepted into the School Library Professional Endorsement Program for(SLP) may apply for Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) status. If at a later time a student with GNM status is accepted as a graduate student, graduate-level credits earned in the SLP program may be applied towards a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) through the UW Information School. For additional information about applying to the UW Information School, see Related UW Master's Program.


Earning the Endorsement

Participants must successfully complete each course each term according to standards established by the instructors and advisory board. Because courses are arranged sequentially and are offered only once each year, participants need to complete all classes successfully in the previous term before they advance to the next term.

Washington Library Media Endorsement: This program meets the approved program requirement for the Library Media Endorsement in Washington. Please note that applicants for an endorsement must also pass the Washington Educator Skills Test - Endorsement in order to demonstrate content knowledge before a Library Media Endorsement can be issued. See the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site for additional information.

Alaska School Library Endorsement: This program meets the approved program requirement for the School Library Endorsement to the Type C Special Services Certificate in Alaska. See the Department of Education & Early Development Teacher Certification Web site for additional information.

Endorsements in Other States: Graduates of our program have successfully met the requirements for a K-12 Library Media Endorsement in 15 other states as well as 11 different countries.

Note: It is up to the student to be familiar with the endorsement requirements in his or her state.


Housing for Summer Residencies

Campus residence hall housing and board packages are available through UW Conference Services. For information, call 206-616-1031, or e-mail confhous@u.washington.edu.


Single-Course Enrollment

Interested in taking just one class? Some courses in this program (those courses designated by a Class is also available to professionals who do not intend to pursue the certificate, but wish to enroll in individual classes on a space available basis) are open for single-course enrollment to those who do not wish to earn the endorsement. Because some courses require prior knowledge and experience in the field, those interested in taking individual courses need to submit these materials:

  1. A completed application for single-course enrollment;
  2. A résumé listing your work-related experience, and a typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired.

Please note that courses taken individually are not automatically applied toward an endorsement in the program. Single-course enrollments are on a space-available basis. No program fee is necessary; tuition is not accepted until you are notified of eligibility.