Library and Media Specialist

Library and Media Specialist

The Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools serves 1600 students from PreK-12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school. Over 92% of our students are Latinx. Our school system consists of Guadalupe Centers High School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Our system grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programming. Guadalupe Centers is the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US since 1919. Our roots in our community run deep.  

There are many benefits to working at GCCS with some of them being:

• Student and Families: GCCS teachers strive to form strong relationships with our students and their families. Our organization grew out of Guadalupe Centers, the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US. These community ties are integral to who we are. 

• Staff Autonomy: Teachers at GCCS appreciate having the autonomy to try proven and new approaches in their classroom and are encouraged to innovate. The experience of teachers is valued and they are given space to collaborate and share their best practice with each other. 

• Coaching and Development: Staff at GCCS collaborate with their leaders on their growth and development. GCCS teachers set a professional development goal in collaboration with their coaches, colleagues, and in-district initiatives. All staff are aligned on working on their development over the course of the year.

Additional benefits include, but are not limited to Competitive compensation and benefits, a qualifying relocation stipend upon hire, a bilingual (Spanish) stipend upon hire, and tuition reimbursement. GCCS has also expanded our benefits around well-being and mental health

Summary:  

To provide all students with an enriched library environment containing a wide variety and range of materials that will support the rigor of the Missouri Learning Standard and aid all students in acquiring the 21st-century skills needed to take full advantage of library resources. The incumbent will collaborate with the Teaching Methods Coach and Instructional Technology Support Teacher to bring technology integration to a higher level across the entire school.

Duties/Responsibilities:

With students: 

• Elementary librarians teach weekly library classes using the KCPS library curriculum.
• Secondary librarians teach research and reference lessons to support classroom instruction.
• Promotes appropriate conduct of students using library facilities.
• Helps students to develop habits of independent reference work and to develop skills in the use of digital and print reference materials in relation to planned assignments.
• Counsels with and gives reading guidance to students who need reading support or have unusual intellectual interests.
• Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for educational purposes outside the instructional day, when appropriate.

With teachers:

• Collaborates with teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials and makes library materials available to supplement the instructional program.
• Informs teachers and other staff members concerning new materials in the library.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging all library materials and instructs teachers and students on the use of the system.
• Arranges for interlibrary loan of materials of interest or use to teachers and students.
• Collaborates develops and presenting a lesson using digital and print materials in support of a larger class project.
• Train staff on digital and print resources (MoreNet, Public Library, Building-specific resources, etc.) available to students for independent research.
• Work collaboratively with Teaching Methods Coaches and Instructional Technology Support Teachers to provide support in incorporating research skills in the classroom.

Building Level Responsibilities: 

• Operates and supervises the Library(s) to which assigned.
• Circulates books on a weekly basis to all students (K-12) in support of independent reading.
• Manages the Library budget to spend all monies in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Evaluates selects, and requisitions new library materials with input from teachers.
• Evaluates the collection and remove obsolete or worn materials.
• Arranges frequently changing book-related displays, bulletin boards, and exhibits of interest to students.
• Serves as part of a School-Wide Technology Committee.

• Ability to use Instructional Technology.

District Level Responsibilities: 

• Attend monthly librarian meetings.
• Attend district-wide professional development on library skills, technology implementation, and other key curriculum and instruction PD as needed.
• Attend assessment training on district and state online assessments as needed.
• Participates in the exchange of library books/materials between schools and member libraries by regularly checking the POSH report and fulfilling holds.  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Thorough understanding of library principles and methods of archiving, circulating, and organizing materials.
• Committed to working with under-served students.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science or related field. 
• Missouri State Certification as School Librarian (K-12) or Library Media Specialist (K-12).
• Experience in an urban school setting is preferred.
• Bilingual ability; English required and Spanish preferred.

Physical Demands:  

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to reach high shelves and squat to reach low shelves.
• Must be able to reach materials at various angles and locations. 
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed.

Application Process:

Please complete an application which may be found at https://www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments such as a cover letter or resume can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

GUADALUPE Centers, Inc. conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities’ individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.