Studies consistently show that students achieve higher test scores and greater academic success when they have access to fully staffed, effective school libraries. The School Librarian Licensure program at the iSchool welcomes those who want to make a difference in the lives of youth by becoming a school librarian. Applications to the program are due February 15 for summer/fall admission.
Kati Richardson (MS '18) is the district librarian for the Highland (IL) school district. She has always been passionate about libraries, so school librarianship was a natural choice.
"The more I learned about what it truly meant to be a school librarian, the more I fell in love with this field, and knew that I wanted to offer to students the same guidance and acceptance that I had always received from the librarians in my life," she said. "There is no better feeling than knowing that you are helping to make a difference in the lives of students, whether delivering a lesson on research or helping to put the right book in the hands of someone who needs it."
Her students are "hands down" the best part of her job.
"I can be having a bad day, but going to school and having kids that are genuinely excited to visit the library can make it better," Richardson said.
The School Librarian Licensure program does not require background in education, and admittance to the full program is not required for licensed educators. Interested applicants should contact Ann Ohms, school librarian program coordinator, at annohms2@illinois.edu or set up an advising appointment.