Certificate in Teaching Media Literacy

In a world where media is at our fingertips, it is vital that we understand the media and information landscape, consume content with a critical eye, recognize the ways media shape perception and social action, and meaningfully contribute through our own creations. This certificate is built on the premise that media literacy education is paramount to full participation in a democratic society and that all students deserve practice with these skills under the guidance of a dedicated and trained educator.

Illinois legislation

Recent Illinois legislation (IL House Bill 234) amended the Illinois school code by adding a provision that every public high school is required to include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy. It additionally sets forth what topics the unit of instruction shall include, and provides that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) shall determine how to prepare and make available instructional resources and professional learning opportunities for educators that may be used for the development of the unit of instruction. 

Accessible and relevant

The Certificate in Teaching Media Literacy provides 12 credits of online synchronous classes that will prepare you to teach the media literacy instruction requirements. Plus, you will earn professional development hours from the ISBE and/or work toward further Library Information Specialist and Technology Specialist Endorsements.

How do I get my certificate?

1. Enroll as a nondegree or degree-seeking student at the iSchool.

2. Complete the following iSchool courses:

• IS 581 ISM - Instructional Strategies for Media Literacy in PK-12
• IS 581 DCE - Advanced Topics in Youth Services - Digital Citizenship and Ethics
  or IS 590 DYO Digital Citizenship & Youth
• IS 581 MLO - Advanced Topics in Youth Services - Foundations of Media Literacy 
  or IS 581 MLO - Media Literacy for Youth 

3. Submit the iSchool's Certificate Request web form. 

4. The certificate will be awarded on the standard degree awarding cycle (May, August, December).