Librarian Job at Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

Drawn from the American Association of School Librarians (2018), HCS holds six beliefs about libraries:

1. The school library is a unique and essential part of a learning community.
2. Qualified school librarians lead effective school libraries.
3. Learners should be prepared for college, career, and life.
4. Reading is the core of personal and academic competency.
5. Intellectual freedom is every learner’s right.
6. Information technologies and media must be appropriately integrated and equitably available.

The purpose of this position is to uphold these beliefs in service of the 45,000 students served in HCS by collaborating with teaching staff in the development of student literacy through the administration of the library media program. Provides specialized instruction to students and teaching staff, and oversees the selection, organization, utilization, maintenance of library, information, and curriculum resources.

Dalewood Middle School

Dalewood Middle School serves approximately 300 students in grades 6-8. Our vision is to be a model middle school that fosters academic excellence and model citizenship for all students. Dalewood is dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students are prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond, ensuring their success through rigorous academic programs, emotional stability, social connectivity, and physical wellness. At Dalewood, we believe in the potential of every student, cultivating a positive and safe atmosphere that encourages all students to be lifelong learners.

Instructional Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the instructional needs of staff and students and promote literacy throughout the school, including providing access to leisure reading materials.
• Develop learning activities and experiences which support state standards and reflect the school’s mission and goals. Librarians may be required to teach self-contained classes.
• Assist teachers and students in navigating online resources.
• Assist teachers in the improvement of instruction through the recommendation of various strategies, media, and cross-curricular connections and in providing digital resources that complement their curriculum.
• Provide resources appropriate to varying abilities and needs, as well as a rich assortment of materials that reflect the local community and other cultures.
• Promote digital literacy and safety through classroom lessons and demonstrating best practices.
• Provide leadership to establish a climate within the library which stimulates efforts to achieve educational objectives and to utilize the resources of the library.
• Assist students and staff in the selection and utilization of library materials.

Program Management Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and implement library program procedures as they pertain to staff, students, and the community.
• Maintain a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging and classifying all library resources.
• Create an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest centers.
• Plan and conduct a regular inventory of library resources, weeding obsolete and worn materials as needed.
• Evaluate, select, and requisition new materials for the library in accordance with Board policies and district procedures.
• Utilize best practices of fiscal planning and management and ensure prudent use of financial resources in implementing the library program. Adheres to Board policies and district procedures.
• Maintain accurate and current records and submit required reports promptly.
• Organize library operations to achieve effective use of time and resources.

Professional Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a unique space in which students feel invited and safe.
• Participate in all required HCS professional development activities.
• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders, such as teachers, students, and the community.
• Report on time and perform other duties as assigned.
• Promote inclusion and respect for diversity in the library's collection.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Engage in professional development and seek opportunities to grow professionally.
• Follow established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity. Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
• Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.

Knowledge/Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree preferred; current valid Tennessee license required. If you hold a license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee license.

Skills/Qualifications:

• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.
• Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

Compensation: Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience. Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.