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Rank: Newbie
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I am 40 years old with a bachelors degree in marketing that I only briefly used. I've been a stay at home mom for 15 years and would like continue my education so I can be a school librarian. I've checked with several local school librarians and was recommended to a MS Library Media & Information Technology program. There are 2 universities that offer similar programs, the one I was referred to is geared towards school librarians, the other is not and has more stringent application procedures. I've been accepted into the program geared for school librarians and actually am enrolled for summer classes. Is it going to be difficult for me to jump into this masters program without a teaching degree or teaching experience? My state does require a teaching certificate, so the university also requires that we pass that test before graduation. Will that be enough or will my lack of teaching experience prevent me from getting a job? I'm very willing to get the teaching certificate and substitute teach or volunteer in a classroom or library if that will help.
After being out of college for almost 20 years I'm very nervous about going back and not knowing what they are talking about, lol. The first workshop I've enrolled in will be developing curriculum units, and I have no idea how to even begin that. My advisor did not seem concerned but I am! Thanks for any advice or suggestions.
Sheri
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Sheri wrote:After being out of college for almost 20 years I'm very nervous about going back and not knowing what they are talking about, lol. The first workshop I've enrolled in will be developing curriculum units, and I have no idea how to even begin that. My advisor did not seem concerned but I am! Thanks for any advice or suggestions. I would not be worried about your age or years since taking a class last. The library profession is heavy in 2nd, 3rd, etc. career people. When I got my degree in December of 2004, 1/3 of the students were 40 or older.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Advanced Member
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I agree. I wouldn't worry about it. Just pay attention in class, ask a lot of questions, and work your butt off :-)
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Rank: Newbie
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Location: Michigan
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I just finished my MLIS with a specialization in school librarianship. I already held a teaching certificate and had some teaching experience, but I don't think this alone helps or hurts anyone. My best recommendation is to volunteer while you're in school. I was able to get a paraprofessional job in a library while doing my MLIS, and also volunteered in a few media centers. My experience got positive feedback during interviews. I would also feel out the job market in your area while in school. Unfortunately, school library jobs are getting cut left and right here in Michigan. I just got a part-time professional position in a public library, but I wish I would have tried for a school library job last year when I still saw postings. Keep an eye out and don't be afraid to try for something if it comes along (if this works for your family's situation). You might get hired before you're done, I know several people who did in my program! Good luck!
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Rank: Newbie
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Thank you all for the encouragement. I talked to my advisor and she said there are several of us who do not have teaching backgrounds, and we will be fine without it. As far as looking for a job, I definitely will volunteer in a school library and/or classroom as much as possible before I graduate. I'd love to get a library assistant job at a local school but those jobs are in high demand.
Thanks again. I'm not feeling quite so out of place now and am looking forward to getting started.
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