Middle and Upper School Media Specialist

Description

Primary Objective:

To collaborate with teaching staff in the development of student literacy through the administration of the library media program, provide specialized instruction to students and teaching staff, and oversee the selection, organization, utilization, and maintenance of library, information, and curriculum resources that align with Whitefield’s Christ-centered mission.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide instructional support for students and staff in the use of print and electronic reference tools and information literacy skills
• Collaborate with and support instructional coaches and teachers to provide instruction in digital stewardship; aim to develop and vertically align skills PreK-12 with appropriate age development considerations.
• Provide a scheduling plan that assures all students and teachers have access to the library
• Plan and teach library and research skills as an integral part of the curriculum
• Integrate a Christ-centered faith walk and Biblical Truth and principles into lesson plans and all activities as you lead students in prayer and deepening their Christian faith
• Serve as a resource for teachers in supporting their classroom curriculum efforts, especially in the area of research
• Guide students in the selection of reading and research materials and answer student questions throughout the day
• Promote reading and the use of library programs as an integral part of the school
• Encourage and incorporate technologies appropriate to the library setting for purposes of instruction
• Supervise, teach, and direct the work of parent or school approved volunteers
• Keep faculty and the Whitefield community informed of new materials, in particular in the areas of research databases; solicit feedback from MS and US faculty regarding the use of all library materials so as to make informed decisions regarding the use of these platforms
• Work with the Lower School Librarian to ensure resource alignment, depth of mission-aligned programming, and faculty support; aim to create alignment and growth between LS and MS/US
• Preserve and manage the school’s archives, ensuring historical documents are organized and accessible for the future
• Partnering with the Registrar to supervise students taking online courses, including ensuring their final exams are taken on-campus
• Organize, manage, and maintain the library including:

1. operate and maintain the library’s online operating system
2. maintain an organized, attractive physical appearance of the library
3. supervise the circulation process
4. manage the budget for purchasing library books and resources
5. manage the library collection by selective purchasing and retiring books

• Participate in professional associations like the Georgia Independent School Librarians Associate and attend seminars or workshops to further professional development and remain active in best practices related to the field
• Enforce administration policies
• Prepare reports on students and activities as required by administration
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials
• Attend Upper School division meetings, and serve on committees as required
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and other professionals on a regular basis
• Support planning and facilitation of schoolwide events including but not limited to baccalaureate and commencement
• Adhere to the bylaws, policies and procedures, and to all laws that govern the school and its actions
• Serve as a grade-level advisor
• Other responsibilities as assigned by administration

Requirements

Required Professional and Personal Attributes, Skills, Knowledge and Experience: 

• Successful experience as a librarian and enthusiasm for working with Middle and Upper School students
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Library and Information Science or Education Media Technology, or certification in School Library Media
• Experience teaching, modeling, and coaching educational technology for both students and staff
• Demonstrate the ability to work successfully with staff and students
• Valid Georgia library services credential desirable
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate computer literacy and proficiency (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, email, Internet, presentation software, and online grade book programs). Experience with Schoology and interactive board technology is a plus.

In addition, the person should:

• Commit to living his/her life under the lordship of Christ
• Model a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ, and be a Christian role model in speech, actions, and attitudes, which contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the school
• Believe and affirm the school’s Statement of Faith
• Commit to exhibiting Whitefield’s core value for our students to experience diversity that reflects the body of Christ and support the school’s diversity vision that aims at unity in Christ
• Demonstrate evidence of consistent spiritual activities such as worship at a local church, fellowship with the body of Christ, personal devotional time with the Lord, and individual study of scripture
• Evidence the fruit of the Spirit in the nurturing of relationships with other staff members, students, families, and the community at large
• Be actively involved in a local church

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A request for reasonable accommodations must be submitted to the HR department.

Work for this position will take place primarily in a classroom, and secondarily in an office. The physical demands of this position include lifting up to 10 pounds often, up to 25 pounds intermittently, and up to 50 pounds rarely; carrying up to 10 pounds intermittently, and up to 50 pounds rarely; climbing/balancing and crawling rarely; kneeling and crouching intermittently; reaching regularly; sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and standing often. To perform this job the person must be able to work for extended periods of time at a computer/keyboard; must be able to talk, hear, stand, sit, and/or walk for extended periods of time; and must possess normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination. 

Nothing in this job description restricts the School’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

This full-time position will begin August 2, 2027. To apply please go to www.whitefieldacademy.com under About Us/Employment Opportunities. Whitefield Academy is an equal opportunity employer.