Achieving National Board Certification for School Library Media Specialists: A Study Guide (ALA Editions)

To achieve the distinction of National Board Certification, school library media specialists face daunting challenges requiring hard work, teaching knowledge, collaborative skills, organizational ability, and courage. Put a friendly mentor in your corner! This study guide coaches school library media specialists through exam specifics. Author, librarian and educator Gail Dickinson has been on the front lines since the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) introduced library media standards in 2000. Her work has helped bring the rigorous certification process into perspective, answer questions, and allay concerns of those going for certification or considering it. Whether you are considering National Board certification, in the process of achieving certification, or want to stay current on the best practices in teaching, this book is for you. In this hands-on resource, Dickinson breaks down a complex and intimidating process into friendly, bite-sized pieces, and: shows how to get started, be organized, and stay on track with checklists, tips, and exercises; outlines proven approaches to collaborative instruction, literature appreciation, and integrating technology; and highlights practical ways to document accomplishments, a critical requirement. Whether used as a workshop guide, for reference or self-study, this accessible guide prepares current candidates (and those in the process) to face the Board assessment experience. It's filled with inspiring examples and advice from people who have been through it and can cheer you on to success.