Library Media Specialist

Job Posting: PreK-12 Library Media Specialist Position Title: PreK-12 Library Media Specialist Location: Rural School District (Missouri) Position Type: Full-Time / 9-Month (Exempt) Reports To: Building Administrators / Superintendent Job Summary The Rural School District is seeking a dynamic, adaptable, and collaborative PreK-12 Library Media Specialist to lead our comprehensive media program across all grade levels. In a single-district rural setting, our library media center serves as the hub of literacy, technological integration, digital citizenship, and community connection. The successful candidate will manage print and digital collections, co-teach with classroom educators across elementary and secondary levels, integrate emerging instructional technologies, and foster a lifelong love of reading and inquiry for all students from PreK through 12th grade. Key Responsibilities 1. Instructional Leadership & Collaboration Jointly plan, co-teach, and evaluate cross-curricular lessons with PreK-12 classroom teachers to integrate research skills, digital literacy and core academic standards. Design engaging storytelling, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences tailored to elementary learners (PreK-5). Teach advanced research methodology, information evaluation, database usage, and academic integrity to middle and high school students (6-12). Instruct students and staff on digital citizenship, copyright and the ethical use of information and technology. 2. Program Administration & Rural Resource Management Manage and maintain a balanced, diverse, and up-to-date collection of print and digital resources that meet the needs of a wide age demographic. Oversee library operations, including budgeting, cataloging, processing, circulation, and physical space organization. Provide flexible scheduling to support class visits, small-group research, maker spaces, and individual student exploration. Facilitate district-wide literacy initiatives (e.g., Book Fairs, Missouri Readers Award programs, reading challenges, and family literacy nights). 3. Technology Integration Serve as a key partner on the district technology team, assisting staff and students with instructional software, 1:1 devices, learning management systems, and online databases. Evaluate and promote emerging technologies, digital applications, and modern media tools to enhance student engagement. Qualifications & Requirements Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Library Science, or a related content area from an accredited institution. Certification: Valid Missouri Educator License with a Library Media Specialist (Grades PreK-12 or K-12) Endorsement issued by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Testing: Passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 042: Library Media Specialist exam. Background Check: Successful clearance of both FBI and Missouri State Highway Patrol fingerprint background checks. Preferred Qualifications (Missouri-Specific & General) Advanced Degree: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Science in Library Science (MLS), or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Library Science / Educational Technology from an ALA-accredited or DESE-approved graduate program. Teaching Experience: Minimum of 2 years of successful K-12 classroom teaching experience. Literacy & Awards Knowledge: Familiarity with Missouri State Library programs and DESE-sponsored award books (e.g., Show Me, Mark Twain, Truman, and Gateway Readers Awards). Adaptability: Strong organizational skills and the ability to seamlessly transition instructional methods across diverse developmental levels (from PreK early childhood to high school seniors). Community Focus: Passion for working in a tight-knit, rural community and leveraging regional resources, public library partnerships, and community involvement to expand learning opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr