Library Media Specialist

South Holt County R-1; Missouri; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

South Holt County R-1 is seeking a dynamic PreK-12 Library Media Specialist to lead a comprehensive media program across all grade levels in a rural Missouri district. The role involves managing print and digital collections, co-teaching with classroom educators, and promoting digital citizenship and literacy from PreK through 12th grade.

The successful candidate will oversee library operations, support flexible scheduling for class visits and research, and collaborate with the district

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Library Science, or a related content area from an accredited institution.
• Missouri Educator License with a Library Media Specialist endorsement (PreK-12 or K-12) from DESE.
• Passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 042: Library Media Specialist exam.
• Successful clearance of FBI and Missouri State Highway Patrol fingerprint background checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead instructional leadership and collaboration by co-planning and co-teaching cross-curricular lessons across PreK-12 to integrate research skills and digital literacy.
• Administer the library program with budgeting, cataloging, circulation, and space organization; support flexible scheduling and literacy initiatives.
• Integrate technology by partnering with the district tech team and guiding staff and students in instructional software and 1:1 devices.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education/Library Science

MLIS / MLS / M.Ed. in Library Science / Educational Technology

Job description

Job Posting: PreK-12 Library Media Specialist

Position Title: PreK-12 Library Media Specialist

Location: Rural School District (Missouri)

Position Type: Full-Time / 9-Month (Exempt)

Reports To: Building Administrators / Superintendent

Job Summary

The Rural School District is seeking a dynamic, adaptable, and collaborative PreK-12 Library Media Specialist to lead our comprehensive media program across all grade levels. In a single-district rural setting, our library media center serves as the hub of literacy, technological integration, digital citizenship, and community connection.

The successful candidate will manage print and digital collections, co-teach with classroom educators across elementary and secondary levels, integrate emerging instructional technologies, and foster a lifelong love of reading and inquiry for all students from PreK through 12th grade.

Key Responsibilities

1. Instructional Leadership & Collaboration

• Jointly plan, co-teach, and evaluate cross-curricular lessons with PreK-12 classroom teachers to integrate research skills, digital literacy and core academic standards.
• Design engaging storytelling, early literacy, and hands-on learning experiences tailored to elementary learners (PreK-5).
• Teach advanced research methodology, information evaluation, database usage, and academic integrity to middle and high school students (6-12).
• Instruct students and staff on digital citizenship, copyright and the ethical use of information and technology.

2. Program Administration & Rural Resource Management

• Manage and maintain a balanced, diverse, and up-to-date collection of print and digital resources that meet the needs of a wide age demographic.
• Oversee library operations, including budgeting, cataloging, processing, circulation, and physical space organization.
• Provide flexible scheduling to support class visits, small-group research, maker spaces, and individual student exploration.
• Facilitate district-wide literacy initiatives (e.g., Book Fairs, Missouri Readers Award programs, reading challenges, and family literacy nights).

3. Technology Integration

• Serve as a key partner on the district technology team, assisting staff and students with instructional software, 1:1 devices, learning management systems, and online databases.
• Evaluate and promote emerging technologies, digital applications, and modern media tools to enhance student engagement.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Library Science, or a related content area from an accredited institution.
• Certification: Valid Missouri Educator License with a Library Media Specialist (Grades PreK-12 or K-12) Endorsement issued by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
• Testing: Passing score on the Missouri Content Assessment (MoCA) 042: Library Media Specialist exam.
• Background Check: Successful clearance of both FBI and Missouri State Highway Patrol fingerprint background checks.

Preferred Qualifications (Missouri-Specific & General)

• Advanced Degree: Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Master of Science in Library Science (MLS), or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Library Science / Educational Technology from an ALA-accredited or DESE-approved graduate program.
• Teaching Experience: Minimum of 2 years of successful K-12 classroom teaching experience.
• Literacy & Awards Knowledge: Familiarity with Missouri State Library programs and DESE-sponsored award books (e.g., Show Me, Mark Twain, Truman, and Gateway Readers Awards).
• Adaptability: Strong organizational skills and the ability to seamlessly transition instructional methods across diverse developmental levels (from PreK early childhood to high school seniors).
• Community Focus: Passion for working in a tight-knit, rural community and leveraging regional resources, public library partnerships, and community involvement to expand learning opportunities.