Middle School Librarian (rev.01302025)

Position Description and Qualifications

Job Posting Summary:

The Ensworth Librarian for Grades 5-8 fosters a love of reading and lifelong learning while serving as a resourceful partner for faculty and students. This position focuses on curating and promoting middle-grade literature, supporting teachers across disciplines with access to high-quality information and library resources, and cultivating a strong sense of community through engaging literary programs and events. The librarian is responsible for creating warm, inviting spaces that inspire reading and exploration while teaching Grade 5 library classes and collaborating in the middle school research, writing, and public speaking course. The librarian supports students and teachers with digital literacy and A.I. ethics. Additionally, the librarian provides support for the Patchwork program at the Red Gables campus, enriching the educational experience that invites authors to campus and connects students to literature and the broader world. Above all, the successful applicant will have demonstrated a commitment to the principles expressed in the Ensworth Vision Statement, executing their role with moral integrity, intellectual vitality, discipline, compassion, humor, and joy.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth’s Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct.
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth’s Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement. 
• Adheres to the Essential Expectations of an Ensworth Faculty, Staff, or Administrator 
• Curates and maintains a diverse, high-quality collection of middle grades literature that supports both independent reading and academic curricula.
• Teaches Grade 5 library classes, introducing students to library skills, research methods, and literature appreciation.
• Teaches a middle school section of the Research, Writing, and Public Speaking course and provides instruction on effective research practices, information literacy, and source evaluation.
• Collaborates with Middle School faculty to integrate library resources into classroom instruction across disciplines.
• Fosters a love of reading through book talks, literary events, and individualized reading recommendations for students and faculty.
• Creates a welcoming and inclusive library environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and community engagement.
• Supports the Patchwork program, our visiting author and illustrator series, at the Red Gables campus.
• Plans and hosts programs, such as author visits and reading challenges that promote literacy and inspire lifelong learning.
• Partners with other librarians to align and manage library operations, including cataloging, circulation, organization of digital resources, and library technology maintenance.
• Remains current on trends in middle-grade literature and educational technology to continually enhance library services and offerings.
• Provides student support and supervision both inside and outside the Library.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience in a library setting with focus on the middle grades.
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, and the public.
• A positive team mentality with excellent problem-solving, multi-tasking, and organization skills.
• Professional and efficient in their ability to work independently while also able to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with differing deadlines.
• Basic/Intermediate understanding and ability to use computers and technology including GoogleSuite, basic office equipment, projectors, mechanical equipment, etc.
• A high degree of accuracy and superior attention to detail.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification.
• Continued Education Programs (as required by Grade Level and/or position) – Periodically participate in different training sessions identified by you, the employee and/or Divisional Leadership/Supervisor with the goal of keeping our teachers and staff up to date with current teaching methods, practices and any new knowledge in their respective field. Dependent on the program, such training may need to take place outside of normal working hours and/or in the summer months.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard and classroom conditions.
• Works at a computer screen for extended periods of time; ability to observe students from various distances.
• Frequently required to move around the classroom; works at a desk for extended periods of time; occasionally moves around campus.
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally works in a stressful performance environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts; stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor.

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter, résumé, and statement of educational philosophy. Contact mageed@ensworth.com with any questions.

About Ensworth School:

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls approximately 1,200 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school’s challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21^st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.