Middle and Upper School Library and Information Services Specialist (Grades 6-12
Francis W. Parker School, Chicago, IL, United States, 60290
Middle and Upper School Library and Information Services Specialist (Grades 6-12) (One-Year Position; Begins as Soon as Possible)
Job Summary:
Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 940 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage, and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”
We are currently seeking a Middle and Upper School Library and Information Services Specialist (grades 6-12) for the 2025-2026 school year. The Middle and Upper School Specialist will be a leader in the school community, library, and classroom. They will collaborate with teachers, students, parents, and the school community positively and constantly, and will promote the integration of literacy, media/technology, research, and innovative/creative thinking throughout the school. The Middle and Upper School Specialist works in collaboration with the Lower and Intermediate School Specialist in the management of the library space and functions. As a member of the Integrated Learning and Information Science (ILIS) department, the Middle and Upper School Specialist is instrumental in developing and designing curriculum related to media and technology literacy and maker-centered learning.
Essential Functions:
A. Information Literacy
Creates an environment that fosters the love of reading among all students.
Evaluates and assesses the current paper and digital resources.
Makes information resources available to all students and teachers through a systematically developed collection within the school and through access to resources outside the school.
Provides access to the library collection and digital resources through the management of an accurate and efficient organization and retrieval system.
Informs teachers, students, and administrators of new materials, equipment, and services that meet their information needs.
Recommends student-level literature to teachers and collaborates with teachers in adding to the school’s literature and reading collection in print and online.
B. Instruction
Assists classroom teachers in incorporating information and research skills into the classroom curriculum and collaborates with teachers in developing resources and inquiry-based units and activities.
Participates in professional development initiatives and processes.
Collaborates with teachers in developing and implementing lessons related to media and technology.
Provides formal and informal training to teachers and other staff members based on best practice in integrating technology for teaching and learning.
C. Educational Technology
Collaborates with the Director of Educational Technology, technology facilitators, and IT staff in working with teachers and students to provide integration of new technologies into the curriculum.
Provides leadership in information literacy skills instruction embedded in the curriculum.
Provides leadership in assisting staff in the management, access, evaluation, and organization of web-based information and tools.
Assists in developing and implementing a digital citizenship curriculum to help students develop attributes that demonstrate responsible use of information and technology.
Provides resources and support to the school community through workshops, newsletters, and online resources.
Extends the library beyond its four walls to connect with the school community through social networks and other online tools such as a library website.
Connects the school community to global experts, resources, authors/illustrators, and other individuals to promote rich learning experiences and an excitement for learning.
D. Management of the Facilities and Collections
Works with the Lower and Intermediate School Specialist and ILIS Department Chair to manage the annual library budget in coordination with administration.
Provides access to the library collection and digital resources through the management of an accurate and efficient organization and retrieval system.
Provides leadership for the assisting library staff in the day-to-day management of the library.
Actively seeks professional development opportunities related to library science and technology and uses those professional development experiences to inform current practice.
Required Qualifications:
M.A. or Ph.D. in Library Science.
Certification in Library Media and/or teaching certification for grades 6-12 preferred.
Previous academic library experience, especially at a supervisory level, strongly preferred.
Ability to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate library services, programs, resources, technology, and facilities.
Successful experience teaching information literacy.
Knowledge of library automation systems, computer applications, and other relevant technology that manages and delivers services.
Ability to track library information services data and report on activity, trends, and analysis.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
Exceptional organizational skills.
Demonstrated understanding of and personal commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as social justice.
Desire for consistent and ongoing professional development and training
Compensation:
Salary Range: $70,022 - $133,748
Faculty positions are paid on a step-level salary scale, commensurate with background and years of experience. Francis W. Parker School provides an excellent employee benefits program, including but not limited to: health and dental insurance, term and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA’s), commuter benefits, and 403b retirement plan. Information on Parker’s comprehensive benefits package can be found here .
To Apply:
Please click here to submit your application (no telephone inquiries please).
The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.
Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.
Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.
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