Upper School Librarian, Fessenden School; Newton

Upper School Librarian, The Fessenden School (Newton)

About Us

The Fessenden School is an all-boys independent day and boarding school serving 540 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 in West Newton, MA. Our mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community.

The Upper School Librarian is an energetic educator, collaborator, and connector who works closely with faculty and students in Grades 7–9 to cultivate a love of reading, strengthen information literacy, and design meaningful learning experiences that integrate research, technology, creativity, and critical thinking.

• Partner with faculty to design learning experiences aligned with curriculum goals and AASL standards.
• Curate and promote a diverse, inclusive, and engaging collection that reflects our community and expands students’ worldviews.
• Inspire a culture of reading by connecting boys with books, authors, genres, and ideas.
• Help students develop strong research, information literacy (including AI literacy), and digital citizenship skills.
• Collaborate with the Wheeler Library and Ciongoli Center for Innovation teams to support design‑thinking, research, and creative problem‑solving projects.
• Embrace growth, experimentation, and collaboration in a professional learning culture.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with boys in Grades 7–9, including serving as a faculty advisor to a small group.
• Supervise students in the library space and during assigned faculty duties.
• Attend daily Upper School morning meetings and weekly X‑Block assemblies or clubs.
• Support and manage library and school technology systems (Google Workspace, SORA/Over Drive, Alexandria).
• Maintain curriculum documentation, student learning materials, and circulation records.
• Assist with book fairs, library teas, and other events.
• Support makerspace tools, emerging technologies, and website design.
• Participate in all Library Department meetings and uphold the school’s core values of honesty, compassion, and respect.
• Maintain reliable attendance and complete required certifications (CPR/AED, First Aid, child‑abuse prevention).

• Orientation: 24–25 August 2026.
• School Year: 31 August 2026 – 15 June 2027.
• Regular
  
  Hours:
  
  Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (2 days) or 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (3 days).
• Faculty Meetings: 3:00–4:00 p.m. (Monday); 4:30–5:30 p.m. (Monday).

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Passion for and current knowledge of children’s, middle‑grade, and young adult literature.
• Experience or background in teaching or education.
• Experience in a library setting.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working with middle school boys.
• Ability to build relationships, manage student groups, and foster an engaging learning environment.
• Excellent critical‑thinking, organizational, and problem‑solving skills with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse community of colleagues, students, and families.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.
• Passion for boys’ education and adolescent development.
• Successful background check.

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA‑accredited institution or equivalent.
• Experience working with young adolescent students.
• Knowledge of information literacy skills and AASL standards.
• Interest in makerspaces and project‑based learning.
• Understanding of the uses/misuses of Artificial Intelligence in a school setting.
• Familiarity with library management systems (Alexandria), digital platforms (SORA/Over Drive, Google Workspace, Word Press), and Mac/Chromebook environments.

The salary range for this position is $64,250–$98,650 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

The Fessenden School is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Apply through Fessenden’s Career Site. Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

January 30, 2026

January 30, 2026