SY 26/27 Library Media Specialist

Job description

Position Overview: Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our educators are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. As a Media Specialist, you will deliver exceptional experiences with student growth. You are dedicated to constant learning and proactively provide academic and cultural support to your school and team. You are deeply committed to educational equity, building relationships with students and families so they are safe, seen, heard, and loved. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources and literacy skills into classroom instruction, supporting the school's curriculum objectives. Select and acquire library materials that align with the curriculum, student interests, and diverse needs of the school community. Teach students how to effectively find, evaluate, and use information from various sources, including books, databases, and digital resources, while promoting digital citizenship and copyright awareness. Organize and promote reading programs, author visits, book fairs, and other events to encourage a culture of reading and lifelong learning among students. Integrate technology tools and digital resources into library services and instruction, assisting students and teachers in utilizing educational software, online databases, and digital storytelling tools. Organize and maintain the library's physical and digital collections, including cataloging, shelving, and weeding materials as needed, while managing circulation. This includes check-out, check-in, shelving, shelving reading, inventory, item processing (incoming and outgoing). Make purchasing recommendations that support users’ needs and interests and the community’s commitment to represent the student population. Collaborate with educators, administrators, and community members to promote literacy initiatives and library programs, staying informed about current trends and best practices in library science. Advocate for the role of the library media program in supporting student achievement, literacy development, and lifelong learning, communicating the value of library services to stakeholders. Assess the effectiveness of library programs and services through data collection and evaluation methods, using feedback to inform resource allocation and program improvement. Create a welcoming and inclusive library environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all students, offering programming and resources that reflect the cultural backgrounds and interests of the school community. Create and maintain displays, thematic promotions, bulletin boards, and library signage; maintain free library and donation of withdrawn books Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School or Division Head, such as carpool, study hall, lunch, etc. Instruction Provide group instruction and individual guidance to students in K - 8th grade to help them locate reading books and engage with books appropriately, develop an affinity for reading, hone literacy skills for reading and analysis. Meet with teachers to co-plan literacy lessons for Library time; co-teach library lessons alongside grade-level teacher. Consult with teachers about literacy best practices; share knowledge of literacy best practices at professional development. Library Programs Serve as information resource for library services and other whole-school literacy initiatives (i.e. book fairs, national literacy observance days, etc.) Effectively plan school library programs to meet identified needs Assist in preparation and implementation of Scholastic Book Fair Management Manage acquisitions, processing, organizing, distribution, maintenance, and inventory of resources Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement Student Management Carry out discipline in accordance with KIPP Kansas City student code of conduct and policies Interact with students to promote positive attitudes toward school library Communication Maintain a positive and effective relationship with team members, teachers, supervisors, students and families Communicate with stakeholders in accordance with KIPP Kansas City Public Schools policies Real World Learning and Grant Management Design and operationalize a system-wide Real-World Learning continuum that includes career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training aligned to Missouri workforce priorities. Partner with staff and partners ensure all students access meaningful RWL experiences such as: Internships and apprenticeships Client-connected and project-based learning experiences Entrepreneurial and innovation-based experiences Industry site visits and job shadowing Establish and enforce quality assurance processes to ensure all RWL experiences are standards-aligned, student-centered, and outcome-driven. Oversee systems for student placement, experience approval, documentation, and evaluation across schools. Lead cross-functional coordination of logistics, including scheduling, transportation, risk management, and partner communication. Monitor participation and outcomes to ensure equitable access across student groups and campuses. Develop tools, frameworks, and training resources to support consistent, high-quality implementation. Manage student experience and event via grants Bachelor’s degree Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities Valid Missouri Teaching license with required certification for subject and level assigned* Demonstrated knowledge of core subject area assigned Satisfactory outcome of a background check *Applicants currently pursuing a certification may apply before certification is received. All certifications must be acquired and on file with KIPP KC before the end of the first year of employment. Skills and Competencies: Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday. The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. Work Environment Reports to work Monday-Friday. Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions. Travel Requirements: Ability to travel to work location. Compensation and Benefits: Salary range for this position based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise. As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans. KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals. KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Selection Process: Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles: Selection Process Application Submission + Resume Review Phone or Video Interview If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) Committee Interview(s) 1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager Reference Check Offer Terms About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools: KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope. Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.