Library Media Specialist

Position Title: PreK-12 Library Media Specialist

Location: Rural School District (Missouri)

Position Type: Full-Time / 9-Month (Exempt)

Reports To: Building Administrators / Superintendent

The Rural School District is seeking a dynamic, adaptable, and collaborative PreK-12 Library Media Specialist to lead our comprehensive media program across all grade levels. In a single-district rural setting, our library media center serves as the hub of literacy, technological integration, digital citizenship, and community connection.

The successful candidate will manage print and digital collections, co-teach with classroom educators across elementary and secondary levels, integrate emerging instructional technologies, and foster a lifelong love of reading and inquiry for all students from PreK through 12th grade.

• Jointly plan, co-teach, and evaluate cross-curricular lessons with PreK-12 classroom teachers to integrate research skills, digital literacy and core academic standards.
• Design engaging storytelling, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences tailored to elementary learners (PreK-5).
• Teach advanced research methodology, information evaluation, database usage, and academic integrity to middle and high school students (6-12).
• Instruct students and staff on digital citizenship, copyright and the ethical use of information and technology.

• Manage and maintain a balanced, diverse, and up-to-date collection of print and digital resources that meet the needs of a wide age demographic.
• Oversee library operations, including budgeting, cataloging, processing, circulation, and physical space organization.
• Provide flexible scheduling to support class visits, small-group research, maker spaces, and individual student exploration.
• Facilitate district-wide literacy initiatives (e.g., Book Fairs, Missouri Readers Award programs, reading challenges, and family literacy nights).

• Serve as a key partner on the district technology team, assisting staff and students with instructional software, 1:1 devices, learning management systems, and online databases.
• Evaluate and promote emerging technologies, digital applications, and modern media tools to enhance student engagement.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Library Science, or a related content area from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Valid Missouri Educator License with a Library Media Specialist (Grades PreK-12 or K-12) Endorsement issued by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
• Testing: Passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 042:
  Library Media Specialist exam.
• Background Check: Successful clearance of both FBI and Missouri State Highway Patrol fingerprint background checks.

• Advanced Degree: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Science in Library Science (MLS), or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Library Science / Educational Technology from an ALA-accredited or DESE-approved graduate program.
• Teaching
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of successful K-12 classroom teaching experience.
• Literacy & Awards Knowledge: Familiarity with Missouri State Library programs and DESE-sponsored award books (e.g., Show Me, Mark Twain, Truman, and Gateway Readers Awards).
• Adaptability: Strong organizational skills and the ability to seamlessly transition instructional methods across diverse developmental levels (from PreK early childhood to high school seniors).
• Community Focus: Passion for working in a tight-knit, rural community and leveraging regional resources, public library partnerships, and community involvement to expand learning opportunities.