School librarian certification

[Julie Anderson <janderso@KENT.WEDNET.EDU>]

In Washington, our certification is kind of screwy.  If you have a
continuing certificate from before 1987, you may teach *anything* K-12.  My
predecessor had a PhD in educational administration, but apparently
couldn't hack being a principal, so he got stuck in the library for 20+
years.  He had no understanding of library ethics or of what a library is
supposed to be, as far as I am concerned.  (He wanted only studious quiet
students in the library at all times.)  After 1987, you are supposed to
have at least 24 credits in 6 essential areas of librarianship (reference,
school library management, literature for children/young adults, materials
producation, instructional strategies, and hmmmm - can't remember the 6th -
any other Washingtonians out there remember?).  However, I am aware of
school libraries which are staffed with clerical people only and where the
reading teacher is also part time librarian with no training.  I found it
very frustrating following someone who, especially, had no concept of MARC
cataloging.  Our records were (and some still are) a huge mess.  Are there
any states which require and enforce the requirement that librarians be
trained?

Julie Anderson, Librarian                       (206) 813-7301
Kentwood High School                            janderso@kent.wednet.edu
25800 164th Ave SE
Kent, WA  98042                                          Life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness are not "Special Rights."