Description
BERLIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Our Mission: We create learning experiences that promote a sense of purpose, ignite passion, and foster a sense of pride.
The Library Media Specialist creates and sustains a vibrant learning community that promotes literacy, inquiry, and digital citizenship. As such, the library media specialist oversees all aspects of the school library media center (LMC) and serves as a teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator.
As a teacher and instructional partner
- Plans and teaches weekly library and digital literacy lessons for all students in pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, aligned with the district curriculum, the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, and the elements of High Quality Instruction.
- Integrates diverse, inclusive, and current literature and informational texts into instruction.
- Collaborates with the elementary LMS team and classroom teachers to design standards-based lessons that build students' research, information, and media literacy skills.
- Partners with the Technology Integration Specialist (TIS) and faculty to explore, pilot, and implement new instructional technologies.
- Applies current research on teaching and learning to empower students to think critically, create new knowledge, and communicate effectively.
- Promotes a lifelong love of reading by organizing school-wide literacy events such as author visits, book fairs, and student and staff book clubs.
- Identifies, teaches, and assesses skills aligned with the district's Vision of the Graduate through library instruction and programming.
As an information specialist
- Provides leadership and expertise in selecting, evaluating, and managing diverse information resources aligned with the school's curricular goals.
- Models and teaches strategies for locating, accessing, and evaluating print and digital information resources.
- Guides students and staff in the ethical and effective use of information and technology.
- Offers professional learning opportunities for teachers and/or families on literacy, research, and technology integration.
As a program administrator
- Develops and implements library goals, policies, and procedures in collaboration with school and district leadership.
- Advocates for the LMC program as a vital component of the school's continuous improvement efforts.
- Collaborates with the local public library to foster a literacy-rich community.
- Manages the library's budget, equipment, facilities, and collection, ensuring resources are current, inclusive, and supportive of student learning.
- Oversees circulation and information systems and maintains an inviting and organized learning environment.
Required Qualifications
- Connecticut teaching certification: School Library Media Specialist (062) or Librarian (048).
- Extensive knowledge of children's literature and information resources for elementary learners.
- Strong understanding of the social, emotional, and academic needs of elementary students.
- Demonstrated expertise in educational technology integration across the curriculum.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
- Previous experience as a Library Media Specialist preferred.
Terms of Employment
- Position to begin at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
- Salary and benefits per the negotiated agreement between the Berlin Board of Education and the Berlin Education Association (salary range: $54,797 BA, Step 1 - $114,617 Ph.D., Max), depending on education and experience).
Benefits of Working for the Berlin Public Schools
The Berlin Public Schools offers competitive health and dental insurance, retirement options, paid time off, wellness incentives, employee assistance programs, and a shared mission of empowering students to be enthusiastic, curious learners and kind, compassionate leaders in our community and the world. All of us play a role in accomplishing our mission. Please consider becoming a part of our team and making a difference in the lives of our students!
Affirmative Action / EEO Employer