Library Media Specialist

Utica City School District Mission and Vision

The Utica City School District's mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society. The District's vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support.

About the Utica City School District

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi-cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District's greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners.

Elementary

The District's elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School

The focus at the District's middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School

Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District's vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University's Project Advance. Most recently, the District unveiled our latest initiative at a ribbon-cutting ceremony: innovative Career and Technical Education programming for UCSD high school students in the brand new CTE wing at Proctor High School. Proctor's Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students' talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

Qualifications

Appropriate N.Y.S. Teaching Certification

Salary Range

$43,138-97,377, as per U.T.A. Contract. The starting salary ranges from $43,138 (without a master's degree) to $46,136 (with master's degree). Consideration of additional compensation may be given for graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor's or master's degree and for years of certified experience. The current Utica Teachers' Association contract salary range, depending on years of teaching and level of education, reaches a maximum salary of $113,252 for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, teachers are afforded the opportunity to earn above base salary if they choose to participate in extended learning time programs, additional class coverages, summer programming opportunities, act as club advisors and/or coaches.

Library Media Specialist Responsibilities

A library media specialist's job is to promote literacy, support the use of library resources, and help students learn how to use information effectively. Some of their responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Organizing materials: Creating databases, shelving books, and maintaining collections
• Selecting materials: Researching new books and materials, and choosing what to purchase
• Teaching: Instructing students on how to use the library, and teaching classes about information resources
• Planning programs: Creating programs for different audiences, such as story time
• Budgeting: Preparing and administering the library budget
• Training: Training and supervising library staff
• Helping students: Assisting students in finding and interpreting information
• Collaborating: Working with others to create a foundation for students to learn independently

Library media specialists may also be responsible for:

• Controlling audio visual equipment
• Maintaining confidentiality and integrity
• Complying with state laws and district policies
• Maintaining a safe learning environment
• Evaluating books for appropriate content
• Assisting teachers in selecting instructional materials

All interested candidates must apply through our online platform.