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HESTL Program: Teacher Librarians
New to HESTL? Start here!
Contact us via the HESTL Program Interest Form to learn more about the HESTL program and how our Colorado State Library team can support you.
A step-by-step guide to earning a HESTL credential.
HESTL Rubrics and Applications
HESTL Teacher Librarian Rubrics
HESTL candidates submit evidence that demonstrates accomplished and exemplary practice in each of the five areas of school librarianship: Planning, Instruction, Leadership, Environment and Management. The program is self-paced and candidates can apply for one or more credentials during a school year.
- Identify your core values and use those values to collaboratively develop and communicate a vision for the library program that aligns with the school community’s needs and goals.
- Collaboratively develop a multi-year growth plan for the library program that reflects your school community, gather evidence that demonstrates plan implementation, and reflect and communicate plan progress.
- Collaboratively develop authentic learning experiences that integrate library skills/standards, promote Colorado Essential Skills, prioritize learner engagement, and accommodate students’ unique learning needs.
- Enhance students’ learning experiences through co-teaching, curated library resources, and library programming.
- Collect evidence that measures learner impact and reflect on assessments to adapt instruction.
- Serve in school or district leadership roles and lead professional learning that aligns with school goals.
- Regularly meet with your administrator to share library program impact, discuss library funding, and share how library support staff increase your instructional and leadership capacity.
Environment Credential Application
- Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning space that fosters curiosity and flexibly accommodates the needs of the school community.
Management Credential Application
- Create a positive work climate for library support staff, volunteers, and student aides.
- Build an appealing, balanced and inclusive library collection that aligns with curriculum and school goals, reflects students’ needs and interests, and is guided by input from the school community.
- Implement a weeding plan and educate the school community about the importance of weeding and following district policy related to the removal of library materials.
- Ensure school library policies and procedures align with best practices.
HESTL Principal Collaboration Credential
Principal Collaboration Credential Information
School leadership support is an essential component of a highly effective school library program. School principals can earn the HESTL Principal Collaboration credential by demonstrating exceptional collaboration, support and advocacy for the teacher librarian as a leader and instructional partner.
HESTL School Designation Renewal
School librarianship is always evolving and the HESTL program is designed to support your ongoing professional learning. The HESTL School Designation is a joint recognition of both the teacher librarian and school. Beginning in 2024, the HESTL School Designation is valid for seven years and may be renewed after five years.
To learn more about renewing your HESTL School Designation or retaining your HESTL credentials after moving to a different school, please contact Tammy Langeberg at: langeberg_t@cde.state.co.us
Contact Information
For more information about the Highly Effective School Library program, contact:
Tammy Langeberg, Highly Effective School Library Coordinator
E-mail: langeberg_t@cde.state.co.us