What you'll learn

Highly effective school libraries are learning hubs that facilitate student creativity, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for their achievement and preparation for post-graduate success. Librarians are teacher-leaders who are needed to create and maintain collaborative partnerships with their colleagues, community leaders, students and their families. 

The University of Colorado Denver’s Leadership for P-12 Library Programs certificate prepares school librarians who are not endorsed as a certified school librarian with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish an inclusive learning community that ensures students have the ability to find, evaluate, create and communicate information. This certificate will update current librarians’ skills based on the Colorado State Library’s competencies for highly effective school library programs.

You will be prepared to:

• Plan an effective library program
• Design and implement lessons that integrate 21st century skills and state standards in collaboration with colleagues and community partners
• Assess students’ abilities to find, evaluate, create and communicate information in a variety of media, and
• Manage a diverse collection of materials in the library to promote both literacy and a love for learning.

Become a professional who helps schools thrive by creating a learning space that is inclusive, high-tech and effective for students and staff members. 

Faculty

Faculty at CU Denver match your passion for professional success in libraries. Engaged in school library work at the local, state, national and international levels, these professionals bring with them a wide breadth of experience. Additionally, our faculty network and collaborate with local district leaders to ensure you are prepared for the current challenges that school libraries and districts face.

Choose CU Denver's School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your library career. We have a name that is recognized for preparing leaders of excellence who value diversity and inclusion. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.

Courses

You will complete the following courses:

• SCHL 5160 Managing School Libraries (3 credits)
• INTE 5360 Critical Digital Pedagogy (3 credits)
• Choose one:
  • SCHL 5200 Promoting Literacy through Libraries (3 credits) - or -
  • INTE 5300 Critical Digital Literacies (3 credits)
• Choose one:
  • INTE 6840 Certificate-based Practicum (3 credits)
  • INTE 6720 Research in Learning Design & Technology (3 credits)
  • SCHL 5913 K-12 Field Experience (3 credits)