Fresno Pacific University Online Program

A few months back I mentioned that Fresno Pacific University would be creating a 100% online library media credential and master's program. This will start May 2008. The university now has a link up for those that are interested in learning more. You can find the credential link here:

Fresno Pacific University Online Library Media Program

The link for the master's degree doesn't seem to be working as of yet, so I will post it when it becomes available.

As I also mentioned, I have been incredibly pleased with the program. Very practice oriented and with exceptional teaching. Two things I greatly appreciate.

By the way, they are so on the ball that it even has the new name for the credential:

Teacher Librarian Services Credential

Teacher Librarian Services Credential

As loyal readers may recall, I mentioned that the credential for those that do what we do has changed. We are no longer Library Media Teachers. As of January 1, 2008, all new credentials issued will say Teacher Librarian.

I have now found the document that tells you all about it on the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's website.

See: Teacher Librarian Services Credential

The one advantage to the new title is that I no longer have to explain what is I do. Very few understood what a Library Media Teacher was and we have had that title since 1990 (when they issued the first LMT credentials). Everyone understands Teacher Librarian because they skip that first part.

By the way, I still think it should be Teacher-Librarian (with hyphen).

New networking group for the San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Teacher Librarian Network had its first meeting yesterday at the Woodward Park Library in Fresno. This group was the brainchild of Maria Petropulos, district librarian for Fowler, who proceeded to drag Margaret Baker (Selma USD) and myself into the mix.

I think it turned out well. We had a total of a dozen people there and they want to meet again. Liz Dodds (Fresno USD) has now set up a Ning group for us San Joaquin TLs. I would encourage to go take a look and consider joining.

Good news to share!

I received some very good news this week. I have been selected to receive a graduate grant from Fresno Pacific University's School of Education. I applied for it back in November and the committee met in late December. The process included providing two letters of recommendation and completing an application.

The grant is not large. It equals one class, but given that my program only requires one class a semester, that works out just fine. I am allowed to apply again for next semester.