Library Media Specialist

BENTON HARBOR AREA SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Library Media Specialist

SUPERVISOR: Director of Academics

LOCATION: District Wide

JOB SUMMARY: The goal of this position is to provide the leadership and expertise required to ensure that the Benton Harbor Area Schools library media program is aligned with the mission, goals, and objectives of the school and is an integral component of the school's instructional program. This position should work toward creating a literacy-rich environment throughout the district by developing and administering an integrated school library media program. Instruct students and staff in effective use of the media center, information and technology literacy skills, and use of equipment. Evaluate, select, and procure print and digital resources and related equipment. Develop policies and procedures to ensure efficient operation, services, and facility use for a 21st-century school library media program. Implement a results-oriented information and technology literacy skills curriculum integrated with the subject area curriculum through partnerships with teachers. Provide leadership and guidance for effectively integrating technologies with instruction to create 21st-century instructional strategies. Develop knowledge of curriculum in all subject areas. Instruct teachers, administrators, and other staff in the use of new information technologies available through the library. Recommend and procure resources for staff for use in meeting their instructional objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsement (ND) OR qualifies for a full-year permit and BHAS Teacher-in-Training Pathway
• Master's degree in Education or Library Science Education
• Have at least two (2) years of successful teaching experience.
• Ability to incorporate technology into the instructional delivery
• Have knowledge of, experience in, and training for advanced credits or work experience in curriculum or technology
• Strong communication skills.
• Proven ability to meet the challenges of an urban school district

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five (5) years of successful teaching experience
• Experience with instruction on information and technology literacy skills, including the research process
• Experience in evaluating and selecting print and digital resources
• Expertise in basic technology, including computer operation, productivity software, and basic network knowledge
• Communication skills, including the ability to proactively collaborate with students and staff
• Knowledge of instructional methods, strategies, and pedagogy
• Knowledge of curriculum development processes and learning theories
• Understanding of student growth and development
• Leadership, organizational, and budget management skills
• Ability to successfully interact with students and staff from various disciplines and with differing skill levels
• Familiarity with national and state standards for information and technology literacy, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Minnesota Education Media Organization (MEMO), and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards.
• Knowledgeable about the use of Web 2.0 tools for instruction

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a school library media program that addresses 21st-century skills, including life and career development, learning and innovation, and information, media, and technology literacy.
• Create and maintain a school library center that provides a teaching and learning environment that is inviting, safe, readily accessible, and conducive to student learning.
• Actively promote reading, information literacy skills, and information resource use through activities including book clubs, reading programs, reading initiatives, and other special events.
• Instruct students and staff in information and technology literacy skills, including reading for understanding, the research process, engaging inquiry, collaboration, critical thinking, developing multiple literacies, and understanding copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property.
• Cooperate and network with other libraries, librarians, and agencies to provide expanded access to resources for students and teachers.
• Develop policies and procedures that ensure maximum accessibility, efficient operation, effective services and facility use. This includes policies and procedures for physical access, electronic access, selection, acquisition, circulation, resource sharing, and materials challenges.
• Establish annual and long-term measurable goals for the school library media program that are aligned with the district and school mission and objectives.
• Lead colleagues through staff development programs that incorporate best practices in the use of information resources, multi-media technology applications, and online learning.
• Work as an instructional partner by collaborating with teaching staff in preparing and delivering lessons that incorporate effective use of information resources and build information literacy and reading skills.
• Take an active role in school improvement and accreditation activities.
• Implement and maintain automated catalog, circulation system, and textbook check-out services, including student obligations and responsibilities for materials.
• Prepare a program budget that supports the school library media program goals.
• Collect and analyze data to periodically evaluate the school library media program for continuous improvement against measurable goals and communicate program results with administrators, staff, and the community.
• Supervise and evaluate support staff, which may include educational media assistants, computer education assistants, paraprofessionals, and student assistants.
• Maintain frequent and timely communication with stakeholders through an effective online school library media program presence and other formats such as presentations, e-mails, newsletters, reports, and articles.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Commitment to Equity: Passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education
• Leadership: Coaches, mentors, and challenges others to excel despite obstacles and challenging situations.
• Focus on Data-Driven Results: Relentlessly pursues the improvement of central office performance and school leadership, instruction, and operations, and is driven by a desire to produce quantifiable student achievement gains.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Approaches work with a sense of possibility and sees challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving; takes the initiative to explore issues and find potential innovative solutions.
• Adaptability: Excels in constantly changing environments and adapts flexibly in shifting projects or priorities to meet the needs of a dynamic transformation effort; comfortable with ambiguity and non-routine situations.
• Teamwork: Increases the effectiveness of surrounding teams through collaboration, constant learning, and supporting others; sensitive to diversity in all its forms; respects and is committed to learning from others.
• Communication and Customer Service Skills: Communicates clearly and compellingly with diverse stakeholders in both oral and written forms; anticipates and responds to customer needs in a high-quality and courteous manner.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Competitive Teacher Salary

Salary based on education and experience pursuant to the Benton Harbor Area School Board policies and collective bargaining agreement for any position that falls under collective bargaining.

EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated by the Director of Academics

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts

Benton Harbor Area Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER