Librarian

Hamilton County Schools•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

Westview Elementary is a K-5 school located in Chattanooga, TN. At Westview Elementary, we are a family. Our school has a warm, caring, environment. We believe that all children can learn. We strive for excellence in our teaching profession and consistently collaborate to reach our common goal -- student achievement. At Westview Elementary, we challenge students to be thinkers and problem solvers who are ready for college, career, and citizenship. We believe that STEM instructional practices are a catalyst to meet our school mission. Learning is student-led as students research and build & design through project based learning. Students develop problem solving skills by following the engineering design process. 21st Century skills are embedded in our content and related arts instruction. Students are engaged and new learning happens daily. Not only do we achieve academically, but we care about the social/emotional development of every child. Every student starts the day with a morning meeting with peers facilitated by their classroom teacher. Students are recognized for their leadership and citizenship each month. Westview students set academic and personal goals and are given the opportunity to participate in student-led conferences. We are looking for teachers who have a growth mindset and who are not afraid to accept a challenge in order to learn a new teaching strategy or skill. In addition, we are looking for individuals who are dedicated to their profession and who will invest in the growth and success of every student. Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. Drawn from the American Association of School Librarians (2018), HCS holds six beliefs about libraries: The school library is a unique and essential part of a learning community. Qualified school librarians lead effective school libraries. Learners should be prepared for college, career, and life. Reading is the core of personal and academic competency. Intellectual freedom is every learner’s right. Information technologies and media must be appropriately integrated and equitably available. The purpose of this position is to uphold these beliefs in service of the 45,000 students served in HCS by collaborating with teaching staff in the development of student literacy through the administration of the library media program. Provides specialized instruction to students and teaching staff, and oversees the selection, organization, utilization, maintenance of library, information, and curriculum resources.

Requirements

Master’s degree preferred; current valid Tennessee license required. If you hold a license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee license.
Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

Support the instructional needs of staff and students and promote literacy throughout the school, including providing access to leisure reading materials.
Develop learning activities and experiences which support state standards and reflect the school’s mission and goals. Librarians may be required to teach self-contained classes.
Assist teachers and students in navigating online resources.
Assist teachers in the improvement of instruction through the recommendation of various strategies, media, and cross-curricular connections and in providing digital resources that complement their curriculum.
Provide resources appropriate to varying abilities and needs, as well as a rich assortment of materials that reflect the local community and other cultures.
Promote digital literacy and safety through classroom lessons and demonstrating best practices.
Provide leadership to establish a climate within the library which stimulates efforts to achieve educational objectives and to utilize the resources of the library.
Assist students and staff in the selection and utilization of library materials.
Plan and implement library program procedures as they pertain to staff, students, and the community.
Maintain a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging and classifying all library resources.
Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers.
Plan and conduct a regular inventory of library resources, weeding obsolete and worn materials as needed.
Evaluate, select, and requisition new materials for the library in accordance with Board policies and district procedures.
Utilize best practices of fiscal planning and management and ensure prudent use of financial resources in implementing the library program. Adheres to Board policies and district procedures.
Maintain accurate and current records and submit required reports promptly.
Organize library operations to achieve effective use of time and resources.
Manage a unique space in which students feel invited and safe.
Participate in all required HCS professional development activities.
Work collaboratively with all stakeholders, such as teachers, students, and the community.
Report on time and perform other duties as assigned
Promote inclusion and respect for diversity in the library's collection.
Maintain confidentiality.
Engage in professional development and seek opportunities to grow professionally.
Follow established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity. Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.