Middle and Upper School Library and Information Sciences Specialist and Integrated Learning and Information Sciences (ILIS) Teacher (Grades 6-12) (Begins Late August 2026)

Francis W. Parker School•Chicago, IL

3d•$70,022 - $133,748

About The Position

Middle and Upper School Library and Information Sciences Specialist and Integrated Learning and Information Sciences (ILIS) Teacher (Grades 6-12) (Begins Late August 2026) Job Summary: Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the School currently enrolls 940 students and employs over 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community. We are currently seeking a dynamic, innovative and experienced educator in the field of Library and Information Sciences to join our faculty in the Middle and Upper School for the 2026-2027 school year. The Middle and Upper School Library and information Services Specialist will be a leader in the school community, library, and classroom. They will collaborate with teachers, students, parents, and the school community positively and constantly and will promote the integration of literacy, media/technology, research, and innovative/creative thinking throughout the school. The Middle and Upper School Specialist works in collaboration with the Lower and Intermediate School Specialist in the management of the library space and functions. As a member of the Integrated Learning and Information Science (ILIS) department, the Middle and Upper School Specialist and Teacher designs and independently teaches curriculum related to media and information fluency, technology literacy, social entrepreneurship, and maker-centered learning.

Requirements

M.A. in Library Science or related field preferred
Certification in Library Media and/or teaching certification for grades 6-12 preferred
Previous academic library experience, especially at a supervisory level, strongly preferred.
Ability to effectively plan, implement and evaluate library services, programs, resources, technology and facilities.
Successful experience teaching information literacy.
Knowledge of library automation systems, computer applications, and other relevant technology that manages and delivers services.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Demonstrated understanding of and personal commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice.
Desire for consistent and ongoing professional development and training.

Nice To Haves

Experience with maker materials and technology (3D printers, laser cutters, coding) preferred
Ability to track library information services data and report on activity, trends, and analysis.

Responsibilities

Creates an environment that fosters the love of reading among all students.
Evaluates and assesses the current paper and digital resources.
Makes information resources available to all students and teachers through a systematically developed collection within the school and through access to resources outside the school.
Provides access to the library collection and digital resources through the management of an accurate and efficient organization and retrieval system.
Informs teachers, students and administrators of new materials, equipment and services that meet their information needs.
Recommends student-level literature to teachers and collaborates with teachers in adding to the schools literature and reading collection in print and online.
Assists classroom teachers in incorporating information and research skills into the classroom curriculum and collaborates with teachers in developing resources and inquiry-based units and activities.
Teaches 2-3 courses/year with a focus on curriculum related to social entrepreneurship, media and information fluency, technology literacy, and maker centered learning.
Participates in professional development initiatives and processes.
Collaborates with teachers in developing and implementing lessons related to media and information fluency and maker centered learning.
Provides formal and informal training to teachers and other staff members based on best practice in integrating technology for teaching and learning.
Collaborates with the director of educational technology, technology facilitators, and IT staff in working with teachers and students to provide integration of new technologies into the curriculum.
Provides leadership in information literacy skills instruction embedded in the curriculum.
Provides leadership in assisting staff in the management, access, evaluation and organization of web-based information and tools.
Assists in developing and implementing a digital citizenship curriculum to help students develop attributes that demonstrate responsible use of information and technology.
Provides resources and support to the school community through workshops, newsletters, and online resources.
Extends the library beyond its four walls to connect with the school community through social networks and other online tools such as a library website.
Connects the school community to global experts, resources, authors/illustrators, and other individuals to promote rich learning experiences and an excitement for learning.
Works with the Lower and Intermediate School Specialist and ILIS Department Chair to manage the annual library budget in coordination with administration.
Coordinates with the LS-IS Librarian in the curation and management of online systems.
Provides leadership for the library assistant in the day-to-day management of the library.
Actively seeks professional development opportunities related to library science and technology and uses those professional development experiences to inform current practice.