Library/Media Specialist

Hope Leadership Academy; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hope Leadership Academy in Kansas City, MO seeks a Library/Media Specialist to lead a student-centered program that promotes literacy, research, digital citizenship, and a love of reading. You will manage the library space and collections, teach lessons aligned to standards, collaborate with teachers, and support instruction with media and technology.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Library Science or related field, experience with elementary students, strong organizational and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in library science, education, or related field.
• Experience working with elementary-age students.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a library environment and student behavior positively.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach scheduled library/media classes aligned to grade-level standards.
• Build student skills in reading, research, and information literacy.
• Manage library space, collection, and circulation.
• Collaborate with teachers to support literacy instruction and projects.
• Support digital citizenship and responsible technology use.

Skills

Elementary student experience

Organizational skills

Communication & collaboration

Positive classroom management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, or related field

Tools

Library catalog systems

Circulation tools

Job description

About Hope Leadership Academy

Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) is committed to creating a safe, structured, and academically excellent environment where every scholar thrives. We believe strong literacy, research skills, and responsible use of media and technology are essential for student success—and our library/media program plays a key role in building those skills.

Position Summary

The Library/Media Specialist leads a student-centered library and media program that promotes literacy, research, digital citizenship, and a love of reading. This role manages the school library space and collections, teaches library/media lessons aligned to academic standards, and collaborates with teachers to support instruction and student learning.

Key Responsibilities

Library & Media Instruction

• Teach scheduled library/media classes aligned to grade-level standards and school goals
• Build student skills in reading engagement, research, information literacy, and digital citizenship
• Support students in selecting appropriate texts and developing independent reading habits
• Provide learning experiences that integrate media, technology, and library resources

Collection Management & Library Operations

• Maintain and organize the library collection (cataloging, shelving, circulation, inventory)
• Curate culturally responsive and high-interest books and resources for all learners
• Develop systems for book checkout, returns, and student library access
• Manage library space to ensure it is safe, welcoming, and instructionally purposeful

Collaboration & Instructional Support

• Collaborate with teachers to support literacy instruction, projects, and research-based learning
• Recommend resources for classroom use and support bookroom/classroom library development as applicable
• Support schoolwide literacy initiatives (book fairs, reading challenges, author visits, family literacy events)

Media & Technology Support (as applicable)

• Teach and reinforce responsible technology use and digital citizenship
• Support student projects that require research, presentations, and media creation
• Assist with basic troubleshooting and coordination with tech support when needed (based on school model)

Culture & School Community

• Promote a positive reading culture across the school through displays, celebrations, and student leadership opportunities
• Build strong relationships with students and staff and model professionalism and care
• Maintain confidentiality and follow school policies and procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Library Science, Education, or related field preferred)
• Experience working with elementary-age students
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage a library environment, routines, and student behavior positively
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Library Media certification/endorsement (as applicable)
• Experience teaching research and information literacy skills
• Experience with library catalog systems and circulation tools
• Knowledge of culturally responsive texts and inclusive collection practices
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus (if relevant)

Core Competencies

• Passion for literacy and student learning
• Strong systems and organization
• Instructional planning and delivery
• Relationship-building and collaboration
• Creativity and initiative