Village School Librarian and Reading Specialist

Job Title: Village School Librarian and Reading Specialist

Division/Department: Village School

Reports To: Village School Division Director and Director of Teaching and Learning

Location: Palos Verdes, CA

Level/Grade: K-5

Type of position/FLSA : Full-time Exempt

Position Summary

Chadwick School seeks a dedicated elementary school librarian with a strong focus on reading instruction and support. The ideal candidate will be a highly inspiring, skilled librarian and reading teacher who is passionate about promoting reading across K-5th grade, adept in both individual and small group reading instruction, and committed to creating an engaging, joyful, and dynamic learning environment.

Reporting directly to the Director of Teaching and Learning and working in close partnership with the Village Director and Middle/Upper School Librarian, this specialist will be a highly collaborative faculty partner who values the mission of the school and is committed to empowering students to be enthusiastic readers and critical and creative thinkers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information.

This specialist will lead the curation and management of a rich, diverse K-5th grade library and engage in innovative ways to help make the Village library a joyful hub of learning and reading. This role will require a deep interest in evaluating and incorporating the continual changes in the fields of library and information sciences and a deep understanding of the needs of this age group.

In addition, this skilled educator will work in close partnership with teachers to develop and facilitate learning experiences in the library aligned with grade-level reading curriculum and to provide targeted individual and small group reading support and extension grounded in evidence-based reading practices.

ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be on campus from approximately 7:45 am until 3:45 pm on days when school is in session.
• Model the Chadwick Core Values and provide joyful, inclusive learning experiences.
• Develop and manage a balanced schedule integrating classes in the library, library management and promotion, and student learning support and extension.
• Participate in Village faculty duties, such as student supervision during recess and dismissal.
• Attend all faculty meetings and professional development days.
• Ability to reflect proactively on and participate in discussions around identity, race, and issues of social justice
• Read and follow employment policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Read and follow academic policies outlined in the relevant division Handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education, experience and skill requirements

REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES, AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree with library experience preferred; Master’s degree in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred
• At least five years teaching elementary education or reading specialist support preferred
• Strong teaching experience with diverse elementary age levels
• Strong knowledge of library operations
• Strong understanding of the various stages of reading development in children from kindergarten through fifth grade and demonstrated ability to tailor and facilitate instruction to meet the needs of students at different reading levels.
• Strong technology skills and experience with library management systems and databases, such as Follett Destiny, LibGuides, and Noodletools
• Strong cultural competency skills grounded in the practices of a school library; a demonstrated commitment to furthering the creation of an equitable and inclusive school community that supports a deep sense of belonging.
• Demonstrated data research skills.
• Experience effectively managing a budget and meeting deadlines.
• Positive, flexible, and collaborative colleague.
• Self-starter who enjoys building programs and relationships.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Compensation: $80,000 to $105,000 based on highest degree earned and years of experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Required to lift and carry up to a maximum of 25 lbs., in a correct manner consistent with the appropriate training provided by the School.
• Occasionally required to use hand to handle or feel objects, touch and use tools, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, bend, stoop, twist, lift, reach, push, pull, grasp, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl, grasp, talk, hear, and walk during the course of employment.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and an ability to adjust focus.
• May use telephone, computer, copier, and other office equipment in the course of a day.
• Required to sit while operating word processing equipment for approximately 6-8 hours daily, repetitive motion for typing and other keystroke needs.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. This may include warm, hot, or cold temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

TRAITS OF GREAT CHADWICK TEACHERS

Chadwick seeks to identify and foster the following personal and professional qualities in its faculty and staff:

1. Student-centered: Prioritizes dedication to the intellectual, social-emotional, ethical, and physical well-being of Chadwick students; committed to teaching in ways that foster an inclusive culturally responsive classroom, inspire joy in learning, and actively engage all students.

2. Collaborative: Eager to build relationships, work with students beyond the classroom, and demonstrate the energy, flexibility, and drive required to help the Chadwick community fully realize its potential; contributes effectively to working teams and remains open to feedback and input.

3. Professionally Grounded: Core values of respect, responsibility, compassion, honesty, and fairness guide all interactions; conveys curricular and instructional depth of knowledge and understanding, with the goal of growing continuously as a teacher in order to support student learning and the Chadwick community and mission.

4. Innovative: Actively seeks and skillfully incorporates new, versatile practices, approaches, and technologies that support authentic learning experiences that encourage students to reflect and apply learning to their lives and the world around them.

5. Globally Minded: Oriented toward preparing students to have a positive impact on an increasingly diverse, interconnected world as global citizens who respond to cultural differences with respect, empathy, and understanding; remains actively conscious of own implicit biases.

CLEARANCES

Required Testing: TB Clearances: Livescan Background check

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required of the position.