Librarian & Educational Technology Teacher

Plymouth Meeting Friends School is seeking a full time Librarian & Educational Technology teacher for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The librarian is responsible for all aspects of the library program and facilities, works with and supervises volunteers, and ensures that the library’s collection and technology resources are aligned with and extend the school’s mission and educational program. The librarian designs and teaches library classes each week for all grades Pre-K - 6, teaches educational  tech to grades 4-6, and works closely with students, faculty, and families. Our library encourages and promotes intellectual curiosity, a love of reading, and a passion for learning through access to materials and resources that celebrate the diversity of interests and backgrounds of our school community. We seek a librarian possessing a love of working with children ages 3-12 and a commitment to creating a fun and welcoming environment that supports the development of lifelong readers. The ideal candidate should have a passion for reading and sharing children’s literature with students and faculty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The librarian will:

Maintain library and resources:

• Develop and maintain the library’s collection and technical resources to support and advance the school’s Quaker philosophy, social justice mission, educational program, and the diverse needs and interests of the community.

• Respond to the community’s specific needs and requests for books and other resources.

• Maintain an attractive, dynamic, current, and well-stocked library conducive to reading, studying, and research.  

• Maintain records of circulation and materials in Destiny database.

• In coordination with the technology coordinator, evaluate and purchase technical equipment.  

Teach:

• Design and teach weekly library classes for students in all grades (Pre-K - 6th), with an engaging and challenging curriculum that supports and/or complements the classroom teaching and which includes instruction in literature, reference, and library skills, as well as social-emotional learning.

• Design and teach weekly educational technology classes to students in grades 4, 5 & 6.

• Empower students to be 21st century learners, critical thinkers, inquirers, enthusiastic readers, and knowledgeable and ethical researchers.

• Develop policies and programming that will support information literacy.

Collaborate:

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to enhance classroom curriculum in the areas of literature and research and for integrated curriculum opportunities.

• Plan programming and activities that involve collaboration with specialists, faculty, families, to enhance the library’s role in the life of the school and wider community (i.e. guest authors, Screen-Free Week etc. )

• Create a welcoming environment for all members of the community, including students, faculty, families, and guests.

Other:

• Oversee the school’s annual Book Sale, a community event, including recruitment and coordination of parent volunteers.

• Network with local librarians, maintain active memberships in professional associations, and promote the school in the wider community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree in Library Science, Information Studies, or a similar field strongly preferred

• Additional degree in Education a plus

• Significant experience with children’s libraries and programming

• Candidates should also have significant experience with planning and delivering lessons, story reading/telling, and cooperative planning with teachers to meet curricular needs

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Commitment to diversity and the school’s mission

• Passionate about working with and inspiring students and their families

• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills

Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, philosophy of education, and the names of three professional references with contact information, with the position in the subject line to: sarahsd@pmfs1780.org.

Teachers participate in the full program of an independent school in addition to classroom responsibilities and must have a commitment to building respectful relationships with colleagues. We seek candidates who will add to the racial, cultural, and gender diversity of the school community. We will begin reviewing applications as they are received.