SY 26/27 Library Media Specialist

Position Overview Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunities for lives of power and choice. As a Media Specialist, you will deliver exceptional experiences with student growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. You are deeply committed to educational equity, building relationships with students and families so they are safe, seen, heard, and loved. Key Responsibilities Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources and literacy skills into classroom instruction, supporting the school's curriculum objectives. Select and acquire library materials that align with the curriculum, student interests, and diverse needs of the school community. Teach students how to effectively find, evaluate, and use information from various sources, including books, databases, and digital resources, while promoting digital citizenship and copyright awareness. Organize and promote reading programs, author visits, book fairs, and other events to encourage a culture of reading and lifelong learning among students. Integrate technology tools and digital resources into library services and instruction, assisting students and teachers in utilizing educational software, online databases, and digital storytelling tools. Organize and maintain the library's physical and digital collections, including cataloging, shelving, weeding materials as needed, and managing circulation (check‑out, check‑in, shelving, inventory, item processing). Make purchasing recommendations that support users’ needs and interests and the community’s commitment to represent the student population. Collaborate with educators, administrators, and community members to promote literacy initiatives and library programs, staying informed about current trends and best practices in library science. Advocate for the role of the library media program in supporting student achievement, literacy development, and lifelong learning, communicating the value of library services to stakeholders. Assess the effectiveness of library programs and services through data collection and evaluation methods, using feedback to inform resource allocation and program improvement. Create a welcoming and inclusive library environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students, offering programming and resources that reflect the cultural backgrounds and interests of the school community. Create and maintain displays, thematic promotions, bulletin boards, and library signage; maintain free library and donation of withdrawn books. Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Division Head. Instruction Provide group instruction and individual guidance to students in K‑8th grade to help them locate reading books and engage with books appropriately, develop an affinity for reading, and hone literacy skills. Meet with teachers to co‑plan literacy lessons for library time and co‑teach library lessons alongside the grade‑level teacher. Consult with teachers about literacy best practices and share knowledge of literacy best practices at professional development sessions. Library Programs Serve as information resource for library services and whole‑school literacy initiatives such as book fairs and national literacy observance days. Effectively plan school library programs to meet identified needs and assist in preparation and implementation of Scholastic Book Fair Management. Manage acquisitions, processing, organization, distribution, maintenance, and inventory of resources. Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement. Student Management Carry out discipline in accordance with KIPP Kansas City student code of conduct and policies. Interact with students to promote positive attitudes toward the school library. Communication Maintain a positive and effective relationship with team members, teachers, supervisors, students, and families. Communicate with stakeholders in accordance with KIPP Kansas City Public Schools policies. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork. Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities. Valid Missouri teaching license with required certification for subject and level assigned. Demonstrated knowledge of core subject area assigned. Satisfactory outcome of a background check. Skills and Competencies Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values. Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families. Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community. Physical Requirements Move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday. Attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions both virtually and in person within the region. Work Environment Reports to work Monday‑Friday. Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions. Travel Requirements Ability to travel to work location. Compensation and Benefits Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise. As a full‑time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, fertility, and disability plans. KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff, providing numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals. Equal Employment Opportunity KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr KIPP