A school library information specialist (librarian) for grades K-8 in a Tennessee public school manages the library media center, co-teaches instructional units and nurtures foundational literacy. This dual-role educator must balance early-childhood foundational literacy strategies for elementary students while training middle school students in digital citizenship and research protocols.
1. Instructional Leadership & Literacy Promotion
- Standard-Aligned Lessons: Deliver library media curriculum matching the Tennessee Academic Standards, focusing on information literacy and digital citizenship.
- K-5 Foundational Reading: Lead read-alouds, storytelling, and early phonics-supporting library activities to boost primary grade reading fluency.
- 6-8 Research Skills: Instruct middle-grade students on evaluating online databases, checking source credibility, citing media, and leveraging technology tools.
- Literacy Initiatives: Coordinate building-wide literacy events, including book fairs, reading challenges, and author visits.
2. Collaboration & Co-Teaching
- Teacher Partnerships: Actively co-plan units with classroom teachers to integrate cross-curricular research and electronic media into science, social studies, and ELA blocks.
- Resource Matching: Pull physical and digital text sets tailored to support various student ability levels, learning styles, and IEP requirements.
3. Collection Management & Administration
- Curated Collection: Evaluate, select, order, and weed library books and electronic materials adhering to Tennessee law and local school board policies.
- Circulation System Management: Maintain the library cataloging system (e.g., Destiny), conduct annual inventory, and manage checkout procedures.
- Budget Accountability: Direct the library budget allocation and handle state funding documentation transparently.
4. Learning Environment Supervision
- Space Optimization: Maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and appropriately orderly environment optimized for simultaneous group work and quiet reading.
- Student Safety: Supervise class rotations, open library times, and student library assistants while complying with the Tennessee Teacher Code of Ethics.
5. Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Education or Library Science required; Master's degree in Library Informatics or Library Science (MLIS) highly preferred.
- Licensure: Hold or be eligible for a valid Tennessee Educator License