Library Media Specialist (2026-2027)

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools • Kansas City, MO

2d

About The Position

Library Media Specialist Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK–12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School. GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programs — part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success. The Library Media Specialist provides students and staff with access to a comprehensive, equitable, and inclusive library media program aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards, DESE school library guidelines, and charter school accountability requirements. The librarian fosters information literacy, digital citizenship, research skills, and a culture of reading while supporting instructional rigor and 21st-century learning. The incumbent collaborates closely with teachers, Teaching Methods Coaches, and Instructional Technology Support staff to integrate research, literacy, and technology across the curriculum in compliance with state and federal expectations.

Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge of library science principles, information literacy instruction, and media management.
• Ability to integrate instructional technology and digital resources into teaching and learning.
• Commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved student populations.
• Ability to work effectively in a charter school environment with flexibility and innovation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Education, or a closely related field (required).
• Valid Missouri DESE certification as a School Librarian (K–12) or Library Media Specialist (K–12) (required).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an urban or charter school setting preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred (English required; Spanish strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provides direct library/media instruction aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards, AASL Standards Framework, and LEA curriculum expectations.
• Delivers weekly scheduled library instruction at the elementary level and targeted research, literacy, and reference instruction at the secondary level to support classroom learning.
• Teaches students to locate, evaluate, and ethically use digital and print information, including instruction on plagiarism prevention, citation, and digital citizenship.
• Promotes appropriate student conduct and responsible use of library materials, technology, and facilities.
• Supports students in developing independent reading habits, research skills, and information literacy competencies.
• Provides reading guidance and instructional support to students with varied learning needs, interests, and language backgrounds.
• Makes provisions for student and parent support outside the instructional day when appropriate and consistent with school expectations.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers to plan, co-teach, and support instruction that integrates library resources, research skills, and instructional technology.
• Assists teachers in selecting high-quality instructional and supplemental materials aligned to curriculum and DESE expectations.
• Provides professional learning and informal training to staff on available library resources, digital tools, databases, and research platforms (e.g., MOREnet, public library systems, and building-specific resources).
• Maintains and communicates information regarding new library materials, instructional technologies, and research tools.
• Supports schoolwide literacy initiatives and interdisciplinary projects.
• Collaborates with Teaching Methods Coaches and Instructional Technology Support Teachers to embed research and media literacy skills across content areas.
• Manages and supervises assigned school library facilities in compliance with charter school policies and DESE guidelines.
• Develops and maintains an organized, accessible, and age-appropriate library collection, including cataloging and circulation systems.
• Oversees circulation of materials to support independent reading and instructional needs for students across grade levels.
• Evaluates, selects, requisitions, and deselects library materials using professional standards, curricular alignment, and input from instructional staff.
• Manages the library budget responsibly and ensures timely and appropriate use of funds in accordance with charter and district fiscal procedures.
• Creates engaging, frequently updated displays, bulletin boards, and exhibits that promote literacy and learning.
• Serves as a member of building-level technology and/or instructional committees, as assigned.
• Demonstrates proficiency in instructional technology and library management systems.
• Attends scheduled librarian meetings, professional learning communities, and charter-wide collaboration sessions.
• Participates in district- or charter-wide professional development related to library services, literacy, instructional technology, and curriculum.
• Completes required training related to state and district online assessments, digital platforms, and compliance expectations.
• Participates in interlibrary loan and material-sharing systems by monitoring reports, fulfilling holds, and coordinating exchanges between schools and partner libraries.

Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level