Early Childhood and Lower School Librarian and Educational Media Specialist

Abraham Joshua Heschel School is seeking an experienced educator with a passion for literature and expertise in media to take on the position of Library and Educational Media Specialist for Nursery through Grade 5. In addition to maintaining the library collection, this educator works closely with classroom teachers, specialists, and the educational technology team to ensure that the library and research skills remain an integral part of the instructional program and enhances the school’s existing educational program. This is a collaborative position that promotes student curiosity and will engage children in the world of books, foster a love of literature, and work to complement classroom programs across divisions.

The Library and Educational Media Specialist will oversee library classes for Nursery-Grade 5 and is responsible for providing a student-centered learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity while promoting literacy through literature and technology. This person is responsible for keeping up to date with current literature and educational media programming, promoting a dynamic library space, and maintaining library budgets.

Job responsibilities
Design and implementation of a library curriculum for Nursery-Grade 5; including weekly instruction in the library and/or in classrooms providing instruction within each grade level throughout the year
Maintain an expertise in selecting, acquiring, evaluating, discarding, and organizing both the physical library collections and the digital library
Work collaboratively with Division Heads and Assistant Division Heads to promote integrated curricular learning and research within the library
Coordinate with the Education Technology professionals in supporting classroom curriculum and maintaining digital subscriptions
Assist in the development of summer reading lists for all grades, as well as serve as a leader for the Lower School Summer Read program
Lead division-wide initiatives to promote literacy and cultivate a love of reading, thinking, and information-seeking
Participate in ongoing professional development on emerging curriculum design, technologies, and pedagogies pertaining to instructional media technology
Provide knowledge, leadership, and vision to ensure the growth and success of the library program
Promote the ethical use of information and equitable access to information
Work in Partnership with the Middle School and High School Librarian to maintain continuity across divisions
Accessing and shelving books throughout the library collection
Perform additional duties such as arrival and dismissal, lunch, and recess coverage
Maintain curriculum drive and all documentation connected to library instruction
Attend faculty meetings for Early Childhood and Lower School
Work in partnership with other schools or organizations to donate books
Qualifications
Masters in Library and Information Science preferred
Experience working in a Early Childhood, Lower School, and/or Middle School library
Experience working with faculty members to design age-appropriate research assignments
Experience teaching library skills to students
Knowledge of Jewish sources and the Hebrew language preferred
Experience in a school setting preferred

Abraham Joshua Heschel School, located in New York City, is an independent Jewish school, N-12, unaffiliated with any single movement or synagogue. The school's approach to education is governed by profound respect for children. It nurtures their curiosity, cultivates their imagination, encourages creative expression, values their initiative and engenders critical thinking skills. The Heschel School is dedicated to inspiring its graduates to become responsible adults and active, compassionate citizens of the Jewish world and world communities.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. To apply, follow this link: https://www.jewishstaffing.com/t/pl/67d8e93d178ad2b042aee537/1742268755

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

Abraham Joshua Heschel School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The full-time equivalent salary range is $55,000 - $95,000, depending on years of experience.