Media Specialist - Marietta City Schools : Job Details

POSITION TITLE: Media Specialist RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal JOB CLASSIFICATION: Certified Position: 189 Day Employee FLSA Status: Exempt QUALIFICATIONS:Education: A minimum of a Masters Degree in a state approved Media Specialist program Experience: Three years of acceptable school experience is preferred ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance; understands the 21st century literacy skills needed to manage in a rapidly changing, technologically-oriented world; communicates available media center and information services well in both written and oral forms with students, peers, administrators, and community; provides access to, and is current with, all formats of information; selects appropriate types and levels of materials and information for instructional and recreational purposes; and evaluates and improves media service in response to changing needs and student achievement. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:Instructional Partnership The school library media specialist collaboratively plans instruction and develops the library media program using state and district curricula and standards, instructional calendars, effective strategies, resources, and data to support teachers and address the differentiated needs of all students.

Meets with teachers and administrators on a regular basis to collaboratively develop plans that are clear, logical, sequential, and integrated

Collaborates to provide flexible, consistent, and personalized approaches to academic content to align and connect the research process and information literacy skills to the state and/or local standards and student needs.

Assesses student understanding and progress throughout learning activities by asking questions, observing works-in-progress, evaluating artifacts of learning, and communicating with teachers.

Chooses and recommends print and online resources that support instruction and the identified needs of diverse learners.

Role of Reading The school library media specialist develops a culture of reading and promotes reading as a foundational skill for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment.

Promotes current, high-quality, high-interest collections of books and other reading resources in multiple formats.

Creates an environment where independent reading and self-selection are valued, promoted, and encouraged.

Empowers learners to read fiction and nonfiction by reading aloud, providing booktalks, designing displays, and/or arranging author visits and promoting school-wide initiatives.

Creates a culture of reading through modeling in both formal and informal instruction.

Develops and/or supports initiatives to encourage and engage learners in reading, writing, and listening for understanding. Information and Technology Literacy The school library media specialist plans and provides instruction that addresses multiple literacies, including information literacy, media literacy, and technology literacy.

Guides students and teachers to appropriate formats for the learning task, provides connected learning opportunities, and encourages the application of multiple literacies.

Provides information, instruction, and resources regarding digital citizenship and online safety for students.

Uses data to provide instruction on seeking, evaluating, and applying information in a variety of formats.

Curates authoritative digital instructional materials and content.

Models and integrates technologies for innovative, efficient, and creative learning.

Promotes critical thinking by connecting learners with information in multiple formats.

Embeds key concepts of legal, ethical, and social responsibilities in accessing, using, and creating information in a variety of formats (digital citizenship).

Provides current information about and complies with copyright laws and seeks outside consultation for clarity on copyright matters when necessary. Instructional Leadership The school library media specialist fosters the success of all students by serving on decision-making teams in the school, designing and delivering professional learning, and contributing to a shared vision of teaching and learning that leads to school improvement.

Works with other school leaders/administration to develop a shared vision for the library media program in support of local school improvement goals.

Serves as information specialist sharing knowledge and expertise by presenting information through various formats, including faculty meetings, staff development, and digital communication.

Leads and collaborates with others in the school to design, manage, and implement the library media program plans and address challenges.

Effective Practices for Research The school library media specialist teaches and models developmentally appropriate best practices for learning and research.

Promotes and models and inquiry-based approach to learning and the research process.

Designs and provides learning tasks/aids that help learners collect information and data.

Collaborates with teachers to create both short and long term research topics and lessons, effectively matching learners with available resources that address current curriculum.

Develops and/or organizes instructional materials to scaffold the research process for students.

Stimulates critical thinking through learning activities that involve application, analysis, evaluation, and creativity. Program Planning and Administration The school library media specialist develops and implements a strategic plan and vision for continuous improvement of the library media program to support the learning goals of the school community.

Conducts ongoing evaluation using data from collaborations, reading promotions, and instruction to strategically plan and implement goals for program improvement.

Promotes maximum use of the media center by establishing policies and procedures that facilitate flexible access and promote student achievement.

Manages funding to support priorities and the library media program goals and objectives.

Seeks additional funding through alternative sources, such as grant writing or book fairs.

Provides appropriate training and support for paraprofessionals and volunteers.

Creates an environment of respect and collaboration where all staff members work toward the common goal of student learning.

Appoints and chairs a building level library media committee or similar group of stakeholders to allow input for library media program development.

Convenes the library media committee to review any formal complaints for reconsideration/appeal of instructional materials.

Disseminates information and coordinates the procedure for challenged materials following district policies and regulations. Positive Learning Environment The school library media specialist provides a well-managed, safe, and welcoming environment that supports personalized learning, includes flexible and equitable access to physical and digital resources, ensures a well-rounded education, and encourages respect for all.

Creates a warm, attractive, inviting library media center that provides personalized learning support and offers equitable access to resources.

Establishes a good rapport with students and faculty.

Designs physical and digital learning spaces that adapt to diverse and evolving learning structures and accommodates a range of teaching, methods, learning tasks, and outcomes.

Implements policies and programs that foster an engaging and flexible learning environment and provide equitable use of space and resources allowing for anytime, anywhere learning opportunities.

Establishes policies for circulation, reserving of library resources, and scheduling of library spaces to provide optimal access for students and staff.

Facilitates a climate of respect and communicates expectations for student behavior.

Collection Development The school library media specialist supports the curriculum through selection and management of resources that meet the needs and interests of patrons.

Uses data to evaluate and develop a collection that prioritizes student learning and ensures support of district standards and local school needs.

Collaborates with teachers, students, and library media committee to maintain an up-to-date and appealing collection of print and digital resources.

Manages the resource collection through selection, processing, organization, inventory, repair, and weeding to ensure the collection is accurate, accessible, and current.

Professionalism The school library media specialist fosters the success of students by demonstrating professional standards and ethics, engaging in continuous professional learning, and contributing to the profession.

Stays current on trends, issues, and research relevant to school libraries, student learning, and technology.

Participates in educational conferences and professional development opportunities.

Reviews current professional literature to maintain knowledge of media program trends. Provides access to and promotes use of professional materials and information for school staff.

Pursues opportunities to learn effective ways to use technology in teaching to access new resources, and to collaborate and communicate with peers outside the classroom.

Carries out duties in accordance with federal and state laws, Code of Ethics, and established state and local school board policies, regulations, and practices.

Maintains professional demeanor and behavior (e.g., appearance, punctuality, and attendance).

Communication The school library media specialist fosters the success of all students by communicating and collaborating effectively with stakeholders in ways that enhance student learning and engagement.

Communicates library media program mission, goals, and accomplishments to stakeholders through the school's library website, blog, newsletters, email, or social media.

Advocates for the school library program and equitable access to resources through marketing and public relations efforts.

Forms partnerships with local and global community to promote student learning and understandings of the value of a diverse society. Non-Program Duties and Responsibilities: Assumes other related duties as assigned Physical Demands: Must be able to perform tasks involving light lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Vision, hearing, and verbal communication are essential factors in performing required tasks, duties and responsibilities Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate Skills, Knowledge, Abilities: Ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community. Knowledge of media program administration, implementation, collection development, and implementation of library and state curriculum standards. Knowledge of information resources and their uses, both print and non-print. Knowledge of learning and teaching strategies that connect curriculum to the learners. Leadership in directing others and in initiating innovative programs. Student management. Nondiscrimination Statement: The Board of Education of the City of Marietta does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or gender in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. Salary Schedules