Library and Information Science: School Library Teacher Licensure
Please visit the post-master's program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, careers, and more! You may also be interested in perusing our course descriptions. To request more information about this certificate, please fill out our form.
How to Apply
Applicants to this program must hold a Master's degree in Library Science or a Master's Degree in education, for additional eligibility requirements visit our program page. If you have questions about your eligibility please contact the admission office.
We are currently reviewing Spring 2024 applications.
We will be reviewing complete Fall and Summer 2024 application starting in late December.
Please allow at least three business days for received documents to be reflected on your application status page.
To access the application, use a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8 on Windows XP.
To Submit Transcripts and Test Scores
We accept both electronic and mailed transcripts. Regardless of format, these documents need to be submitted to our office directly from your institution. If your institution is able to securely email their transcripts, they can be emailed or submitted through a service such as Parchment, eSCRIP-SAFE, or National Student Clearinghouse.
If the documents must be mailed, please be sure to specify the SLIS Admission Office in the address below:
SLIS Office of Admission
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
USA
Application Requirements
This program is for those who:
- Hold a Master's degree in Library Science and are now seeking licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a School Library Teacher, or
- Hold a Master's degree in Education and an initial or professional Massachusetts license as a teacher, a Master of Arts degree in teaching, or a Master's degree in a related field along with an initial or professional* Massachusetts license as a teacher. At the time of the application for the School Library Teacher Licensure, you must have a minimum of three years of teaching experience in a Massachusetts public school.
*Before starting the program, we advise students who hold a professional level license to have a review conducted by the DESE of the standards the DESE expects them to fulfill to be able to add this license. Their coursework will be based on the results of this review. Those with a professional level license must take their completed coursework to the DESE on their own; they will not be endorsed by Simmons.
Each applicant must submit the following:
- Completed application
- Transcript(s) from the appropriate master's degree granting institution(s).
- Course descriptions: Applicants who took classes at an institution other than at Simmons SLIS must submit course descriptions.
- Current résumé
- Statement of Purpose: In approximately 500 words, please describe your career objectives and how Simmons SLIS could contribute to your meeting those goals. Please incorporate answers to the following questions:
- Why are you seeking a school library licensure?
- What are the most exciting challenges and opportunities in school library profession?
After your application and supporting documents are received, your file will be sent to the Program Director for review. If you are admitted to the program, the Admission Office will send you the list of courses you will be required to take to complete the licensure program. If you choose to pursue the program after reviewing your individual course of study, you can then confirm your wish to proceed by submitting a deposit.
Application Deadlines
Fall (September): August 1
Summer (May/June): May 1
Spring (January): December 1
After the deadline has passed, applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. If you are interested in applying after the deadline, please contact our office via email or at (617) 521-2868 to request more information.
Resources
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2868. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.