Library Media Specialist-(10.5mo position) - Virginia Department of Education

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and administration to establish evidence-based, measurable goals driven by the school improvement plan, and to assist with evaluating the effectiveness and quality of the school library program.
• Ensure the effective integration of the American Association of School Librarians' learning standards and the Essential Information Literacy Skills through the use of coaching and cooperative teaching methods.
• Serve as an advocate for the school's library programs and services by utilizing a variety of communication and technology tools.
• Participate in professional growth activities that result in enhanced knowledge of best practices in school library programs.
• Collaborate with staff from the Department of Instruction to select, implement, and adapt information literacy skills in support of curriculum across all content areas.

• Lead by modeling and teaching the skills necessary to access, evaluate, and use resources effectively and responsibly.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and other specialists to develop assignments that are instructionally sound and include key critical thinking, literacy and social skills, and instructional technology.
• Create partnerships by attending grade level/department meetings, reviewing pacing charts, serving on the school’s leadership team, and participating in other committees such as technology and curriculum committees.
• Provide active learning experiences and opportunities to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Assess student learning before, during and after lessons; alter instruction to meet group/individual needs.
• Promote reading in traditional and innovative ways such as social media, digital media and print.
• Develop initiatives to encourage and engage learners in reading, writing, and listening for understanding and enjoyment.
• Collect and analyze data to improve instruction and to demonstrate correlations between the school library programs and student achievement.

• Create and maintain an inviting, safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment that fosters intellectual inquiry.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to create an environment that is conducive to active and participatory learning, and ensures resource-based instructional practices.
• Ensure flexible and equitable access to resources that support the student’s academic and personal learning needs.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date, culturally diverse collection of print and non-print resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learners, the teaching styles, the instructional strategies used, and reflect students’ interests.
• Use available statistics to make data-driven financial and program development decisions regarding the library collection and program.
• Manage the duties of the Media Clerk and volunteers in the media center.

Information Specialist

• Provide leadership and expertise in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies in all formats.
• Ensure equitable and ethical use of information.
• Teach students to follow an inquiry process as they ask questions, evaluate and collect information from multiple sources to construct understanding by thinking critically.
• Encourage the use of instructional technology to engage students and to improve learning.
• Provide 24/7 access to digital information resources for the entire learning community.
• Assume a leadership role in modeling and teaching the skills necessary to access, evaluate, and use resources effectively and responsibly for students, staff and administration.
• Work with staff, administration and other specialists to ensure that information literacy skills are embedded systematically throughout the school and the library instructional program.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent. 
                Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 

Equipment
Use standard office equipment such as; personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. 

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. 

Work Schedule
Standard Media Specialist work schedule as set forth in the Media Specialist's Contract. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current instructional teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiates instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of curriculum and concepts.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Must have an extensive knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, and methodologies of teaching and learning and of current practices in library media.
• Ability to develop instructional goals for students; to manage print, non-print and electronic collection of curricular support materials and equipment; to prepare and monitor departmental budget; to provide work direction to others; to collaborate with other instructional personnel; to communicate instructional goals to others effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to make decisions, analyze problems, resolve conflict, develop interpersonal relationships and demonstrate a strong ability in the area of planning.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Work in standard office and school building environments. 
                Note:    Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position. 

Certification/License:

• State Certification as a Media Specialist or as required for position.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment or its equivalent, representing intensive course work in the principles and practice of media specialty. 

Experience
Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level and/or subject is a plus. 

FLSA Status:       Exempt       10.5-month position