About Teacher-Librarianship by Distance Learning at the University of Alberta
The Master of Education in Elementary Education provides education for teachers who want to be teacher-librarians in elementary, middle, junior and senior high schools. The MEd degree is completely online, part-time, and meant for those working full time in schools and school libraries. The program is affordable, flexible, and infused with technology.
Courses develop school and professional leadership in inquiry, literacies, technology, and resources through meaningful learning experiences. Study focuses on curriculum, community, consultation, collaboration, coordination, and communication. Students become part of a community with other teachers and teacher-librarians from across the country. We strongly believe that teacher-librarians are learning specialists in schools and that a Master of Education degree provides the leadership skills necessary to take on this important role.
Applying to the Program
You apply for the Master of Education - Online Curriculum and Pedagogy - but this is done online and through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. Indicate your interest in teacher-librarianship in your statement of intent. Please feel free to contact Jennifer for more information. Please see information on the Elementary Education website. For more information from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and to apply online - please click here.
Program Planning
Master of Education students in teacher-librarianship should work with Dr. Jennifer Branch-Mueller to develop a program plan. All MEd students in the Department of Elementary Education are required to complete an approved research methods course and a curriculum foundations course. You must complete a capstone experience at the end of your program (EDEL 599).
As your advisor I would strongly suggest you take the following to provide you with the foundational courses in the area of teacher-librarianship (see course descriptions below):
EDEL 540
EDEL 542 (counts as the required curriculum course)
EDEL 543
EDEL 544
EDEL 546
Course Descriptions
EDEL 540: Introduction to Teacher-Librarianship
Explores and critically evaluates the management of school library programs and services.
EDEL 542: Introduction to Inquiry-based Instruction (counts as the required curriculum course)
Explores and critically evaluates the nature and culture of inquiry and the integration of inquiry in teaching and learning.
EDEL 543: Introduction to Contemporary Literacies
Explores and critically evaluates the foundation of contemporary literacies, literacy in the 21st century, and literacy leadership for teacher-librarians.
EDEL 544: Introduction to Emerging Technologies
Explores and critically evaluates the use of emerging technologies in schools and school libraries with an emphasis on how they might be used in personal, professional and teaching and learning situations.
EDEL 545: Integration of Emerging Technologies
Explores and critically evaluates the integration of emerging technologies into schools and school libraries with an emphasis on the trends, issues, opportunities and challenges associated with living and working in digital age classrooms and libraries.
EDEL 546: Introduction to Resource Selection and Evaluation
Explores and critically evaluates the selection and evaluation of print and digital resources for children and young adults in schools and school libraries.
EDEL 567: Introduction to Educational Research
This course offers an overview of the broad spectrum of quantitative and qualitative research activities and developmental projects, with an emphasis on the educator as a research consumer and potential researcher. Consequently, the course focuses on improving the comprehension of published research reports and the ability to plan research activities for the school setting. Required course for MEd students in the Department of Elementary Education; all other students require Departmental consent.