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A"I Never Knew I Could Be a Teacher": A Student-Centered MLIS Fellowship for Future Teacher-Librarians
- portal: Libraries and the Academy
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 18, Number 2, April 2018
- pp. 331-362
- 10.1353/pla.2018.0019
- Article
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abstract:
The Research and Teaching Fellowship (RTF) of the University of Maryland Libraries in College Park is a three-semester teacher training program for students seeking a master's of library and information science (MLIS) degree. This article provides details of the program's content, organization, administration, and assessment. It also includes results from a mixed methods and longitudinal study identifying the successful components of RTF and charting the development of teacher efficacy and identity among participants. Findings indicate that a strong sense of community, sustained engagement with teaching, and the integration of evidenced-based practice prepare MLIS students to succeed in a competitive job market. The authors provide a list of best practices in the development of mentorship and training programs, including considerations for librarians and administrators.