Library Media Specialist

Trinity Episcopal School seeks a highly qualified, motivated individual with the desire and leadership capacity to create an environment where collaboration and creative problem-solving thrive through the library program and implementation of research/inquiry curriculum.  The individual hired must be both an excellent communicator who instills enthusiasm in others, and a forward-thinking educator. 

Trinity Episcopal School is an inclusive, forward-thinking, faith-based K-8 independent school that meets each student where they are to nurture the whole child’s academic, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Trinity is located in West Lake Hills, close to downtown Austin, Texas.

Our Mission:  At Trinity Episcopal School, we will nurture each child academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  We will honor each child’s spirit for learning and life, ever mindful that we are all children of God. 

Responsibilities: 

• As a member of the K-8 Library, Research, and Technology department, the library media specialist (LMS) will help to meaningfully embed research/inquiry and library skills instruction into the academic curriculum, implement and facilitate pedagogically sound technology initiatives and practices, and be responsive to new external drivers (e.g. disruptive shifts) of media and communication both in professional practice and instruction.
• As an instructional partner, the LMS will work with teachers to build and strengthen connections between student information and research needs, curricular content, learning outcomes, and information resources. 
• As an information specialist, the LMS will provide leadership and guidance in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies as well as expertise in the ethical use of all information. 
• As a teacher, the LMS will empower students to become critical and trans-disciplinary thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. Specifically, he/she will teach library lessons and co-teach the 4^thgrade capstone course. 
• As the library program administrator, the LMS will work collaboratively with members of the community to implement and improve the policies of the school library program, and to organize and promote activities related to it, including the annual school-wide Trinity Book Festival. 

At Trinity, our teachers

• seek knowledge of current instructional theories as a commitment to understanding and professional growth
• demonstrate a vast repertoire of effective and engaging instructional strategies that meet the needs of all students 
• hold high – but not uniform – expectations of all students
• maximize instructional minutes 
• model, teach, and expect age-appropriate disciplined behaviors in a way that is mission-consistent and respectful
• meaningfully and personally engage with all students
• actively support colleagues
• positively and actively contribute to the life of the school
• collaborate with parents in the best interest of the students
• understand and respect the principal qualities of an Episcopal school
• respect and seek understanding in all facets of diversity

Qualifications: Ideal candidates for this position will have the following qualifications and experience.

• Master’s degree (or professional certification) in library media and/or the field of education and a strong knowledge of contemporary academic discourse on 21^stcentury skills, especially with regard to research and inquiry curriculum and technology
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with teachers from multiple departments and leverage research and information resources and strategies to create and deepen learning and promote transfer of learning across disciplines and between grade levels
• Vast knowledge of and deep passion for literature
• Knowledge, capacity, and desire to maintain and improve the school’s print and non-print collection as well as increase meaningful access to and use of them
• Experience working with elementary aged students and a basic understanding of child development
• Expertise in teaching library lessons and giving book talks, as well as the ability to and interest in co-teaching interdisciplinary courses and teaching skills-based research writing classes
• Organizational skills and passion needed to initiate a variety of student-oriented programs tied to school learning initiatives such as Book Clubs, Trinity Book Festival, and the Summer reading challenge
• Interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and thoughtful care essential to maintaining a well-organized, welcoming, and functional physical environment for the Trinity community 
• Understanding of library data and input as needed to consider and implement changes for strategic improvement of services
• Knowledge, experience, and leadership skills to provide, as a department, ongoing training, professional development, and support of the Trinity community with regard to independent use of library media resources and technology
• Ability to establish a successful rapport with parents in their roles as both parents and volunteers

To apply:  Resumes and letters of application should be sent to Human Resources at Trinity Episcopal School, 3901 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX  78746, or by email to employment@austintrinity.org.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and accepted until the position is filled.  No phone calls please.

Trinity Episcopal School invites all qualified individuals who share our core values to apply for faculty positions. All faculty members must be able to support Trinity’s mission as a Christian school. 

Trinity Episcopal School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. 

Trinity Episcopal School complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‐discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training