PARK SCHOOL is hiring: Librarian (Grades 1-5) in Baltimore

Lower School Teaching Position for Fall 2025

THE POSITION

The Park School seeks a full-time Lower School Librarian for first through fifth grades beginning in fall 2025.

The Lower School Librarian works within the combined Park School Libraries, which cover all grades Pre-K-12. This person serves as a resource for Lower School teachers in curricular planning and research skill development, teaches a full load of library classes that meet weekly, and collaborates on projects and special events with librarians who teach students in the Middle and Upper Schools. The first through fifth grade Lower School Librarian is responsible for collection development and programming in collaboration with the Pre-K/Kindergarten librarian.

Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.

We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.

We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world.

The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, gender inclusive day school of 827 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.

Working as a member of both the library team and the Lower School division entails reporting to and working with both the Director of Library Services and Lower School administrators, and attending both library specific meetings as well as Lower School meetings.

Library classes for our Lower School children may include: reading aloud, book talks, storytelling, browsing time, helping children to find resources for class projects, and, above all, consistent encouragement of children to develop a lifelong love of reading.

The Lower School at Park includes grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5, with an enrollment of 275+ students and 40+ faculty. Lower School Learning Resource Teachers and a Lower School Counselor work with teachers at all grade levels.

Park’s Lower School is committed to progressive principles of education. Respect for children and confidence in their natural capacity to learn — and to enjoy learning — are key. The program at all grade levels centers on experiential learning within an integrated curriculum. Our approach emphasizes open-ended inquiry and problem-solving, collaborative projects, and exposure to a wide range of learning activities and materials, anchored by a focus on essential understandings and attention to basic skills. An emphasis is made to connect science to grade level themes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for teaching and commitment to the education of Lower School children are essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a grade-level team and to communicate effectively with families are also key qualifications.
• Orientation to progressive philosophy and teaching methods.
• M.L.S. Degree and/or library certification from ALA accredited library school, or degree in elementary or early childhood education preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience (3+ years) as a Lower School Librarian or teacher of children ages 4 to 11.
• Broad knowledge of literature for young children; believes strongly in introducing children to high quality literature and promoting a life-long love of reading.
• Committed to selecting high quality literature that supports the school’s commitment to an inclusive and diverse community.
• Experience teaching early literacy skills, which may include reading groups and reading enrichment.
• Experience teaching developmentally-appropriate media literacy and research skills.
• Skilled in supporting and collaborating with teachers in identifying examples of literature and other resources across a variety of disciplines, and in concert with current and future thematic studies.
• Able to provide cross coverage in a library that serves children from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
• Experience and comfort with current technologies that support school libraries.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds and/or who have experience in cultural competency work are strongly encouraged to apply.

SALARY

Park’s job requirements differ, with some positions requiring no experience, while others require years of expertise. Our salary range is from $51,500 to $82,500 and is based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, full-or part-time status, and schedule. If selected for the role, your salary will be determined by your experience and qualifications. Salaries do not include benefits that are described below.

BENEFITS

Park’s benefits include a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions, and medical, dental, and vision insurance for individuals and families. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts are also available. Employees receive disability and parental leave, along with paid time off. Other resources include an Employee Assistance Program, a Computer Buying Program, and various wellness initiatives. Additionally, the school offers the following distinctive programs:

• Faculty and Curricular Advancement (FACA) Program: A $5.6 million endowed program, established in 1989, supports summer professional development work by faculty. This program provides full salary and benefits for work on group or individual projects. Approximately 40% of Park faculty participate in FACA projects each summer. Projects are selected through a formal, competitive review process.
• Tuition Remission: Under current policy, employees who have been employed at Park full-time for two years are eligible to receive full tuition remission for their children who attend Park. (Faculty children must meet the same standards for admission as all other applicants.) During the first two years of employment, faculty may apply for financial assistance through Park’s need-based tuition assistance program.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are asked to send a letter of interest, personal statement, résumé, and completed employment application via email or US mail. Please also indicate whether there are any special circumstances that will affect the timing of your search, availability for interviews, and decisions for the coming year.

The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee’s duties.

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