ARCLMS

Since 1999, the Alternate Route to Certification for Teachers to Become Library Media Specialists has trained six groups of experienced teachers who received cross-endorsements as Library Media Specialists in Connecticut. It is an innovative and exciting program developed by the Connecticut State Department of Education, approved by the Department of Higher Education, accredited using National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards and administered by ACES to attract talented, successful Connecticut teachers to a new teaching career as school library media specialists.

The program consists of a 2010-2011 school year with activities and seminars related to the role and structure of high-quality library media programs and a rigorous, two-week period of intensive, full-time instruction, summer 2010, and a three-week program, summer 2011. The first seminar will be held in early June 2010.

See below for more information about ARCLMS

Frequently Asked Questions

When will applications be accepted?
Applications for the 2010-2011 session will be accepted beginning in November 2009.

Is prior certification needed to enroll in the ARCLMS program?
Yes, the applicant must hold a current teaching certificate in the state of Connecticut.

What certification would I be eligible for as an ARCLMS candidate?
At the program’s completion, you will be eligible for Library Media Specialist number 062.

What if I am certified K-8, but want to be able to be a library media specialist at the high school level? Would I be able to do that with this cross-endorsement?
Yes. The LMS cross-endorsement allows you to be a library media specialist at any grade, K-12.

Can a teacher with an expired certificate participate?
No, as your certification must be current and valid in the state of Connecticut.

Do I have to take the Praxis I or II?
There is no Praxis I or II required in Connecticut for a library media specialist.

What is the time commitment?

• A seminar early June 2010, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• A two-week program, July 2010, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Six seminars, September 2010 – May 2011, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• A three-week program, July 2011, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

How will participants’ success be measured?
The program includes the following assignments/responsibilities that are reviewed by members of the Faculty/Advisory Board with appropriate feedback. Each participant must fulfill them satisfactorily to receive a cross-endorsement.

• attending and participating in all activities
• extensive reading of children’s literature of various genres and reading levels
• attending professional development activities
• visiting schools to shadow library media specialists
• doing research on a controversial issue, writing a short paper related to it, and presenting the information to the group
• designing and completing a unit in which the participants collaborate with the library media specialist and other educators at their school

Where will classes be held?
Classes will be held at ACES, 205 Skiff Street, Hamden, and at library media centers throughout Connecticut.

Who are the faculty for the program?
The faculty includes exemplary library media specialists from Connecticut school districts as well as ACES Education Specialists in technology integration and multicultural education. There are also guest lecturers for specific topics.

Are there scholarships or grants available for the program?
At this time, no. However, teachers are encouraged to pursue reimbursement options with their districts.

Are there university credits available toward a degree?
At this time, this program does not offer college course credit.

How do I apply?
Application information is available here or by contacting Ellen Hughes at ehughes@aces.org or (203) 407-4447.