Library Media Specialist - Elementary School (Grades K-4)

Erie 1 BOCES; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

REACH Academy Charter School is seeking an Elementary Library Media Specialist for Grades K-4 in Buffalo, NY. The role focuses on nurturing a love of reading, teaching library skills, and guiding digital citizenship within a collaborative school environment.

Salary placement aligns with certification and prior teaching experience; begins around $45,000 with progression to $65,830. Start date 10/01/2026; full-time, in-school position with strong benefits and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university.
• New York State certification as a School Library Media Specialist or equivalent.
• Experience with elementary-aged learners and school libraries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, organized library/media center for K-4 students.
• Deliver age-appropriate library, research, and information literacy instruction.
• Promote reading and ensure access to diverse, age-appropriate materials.
• Collaborate with teachers to connect library instruction to curriculum.
• Manage circulation, cataloging, and inventory of library resources.
• Plan literacy events, book fairs, and reading challenges.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication

Organization

Technology use

Reading/literacy instruction

Education

Bachelor's degree

New York State Library Media Specialist certification

Teaching certification or eligibility under NY charter requirements

Tools

Educational technology tools

Job description

ELEMENTARY LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST - GRADES K-4

REACH Academy Charter School is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and student-centered Library Media Specialist to join our Elementary School team serving scholars in Kindergarten through Grade 4. The ideal candidate will have a passion for children's literature, literacy, technology, and creating a welcoming library environment where young scholars are excited to read, explore, ask questions, and learn. The Library Media Specialist will manage the school library/media center while providing engaging, age-appropriate instruction that supports literacy, research skills, digital citizenship, and classroom learning.

Why Join REACH? At REACH, we work hard to create a supportive, family-like environment for both our scholars and our staff. We value collaboration, recognize the hard work of our team, and believe our teachers should have the resources and support they need to be successful.

• School hours of 6:50 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., with one extended planning day each week until 4:00 p.m.
• A competitive teacher salary scale that recognizes prior teaching experience and certification.
• Certified teachers with no prior experience currently start at $45,000, with placement increasing based on eligible years of prior experience. Uncertified teachers currently start at $40,000.
• REACH pays 80% of the cost of employee health insurance, with employees responsible for 20%.
• Dental and vision coverage are also available.
• 100% school-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Participation in the New York State Teachers' Retirement System (NYSTRS) for eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement savings plans available.
• Job-sharing opportunities may be available for expecting mothers.
• REACH provides classroom and instructional supplies needed throughout the school year.
• A close-knit school community where we enjoy celebrating together and regularly show appreciation for our staff through special events, lunches, and other surprises.

Position Overview The Elementary Library Media Specialist will create and maintain a welcoming, organized, and engaging library/media center for scholars in Grades K-4. This position is responsible for helping scholars develop a love of reading while teaching age-appropriate library, research, information literacy, technology, and digital citizenship skills. The Library Media Specialist will work collaboratively with classroom teachers and school leadership to ensure the library program supports REACH's academic goals and the needs and interests of our scholars.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming, organized, and inclusive library environment where all scholars feel comfortable exploring books and learning.
• Provide engaging library/media instruction to scholars in Kindergarten through Grade 4.
• Introduce scholars to a wide variety of children's literature, authors, genres, topics, and informational texts.
• Promote a love of reading and help scholars select books that are appropriate for their interests, reading levels, and developmental needs.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate lessons in library skills, research, information literacy, technology, and digital citizenship.
• Conduct read-alouds, book talks, author studies, research activities, and other literacy-based learning experiences.
• Teach scholars how to locate, select, use, and care for library materials.
• Help scholars learn how to identify reliable and age-appropriate sources of information.
• Introduce elementary scholars to responsible, safe, and appropriate use of technology and digital resources.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to connect library instruction, books, and resources to grade-level curriculum and classroom learning.
• Support school-wide literacy initiatives and encourage independent reading.
• Develop creative programs and activities that encourage scholars to visit the library and become lifelong readers.
• Coordinate activities such as book fairs, reading challenges, themed library events, author celebrations, and other literacy-focused programs as appropriate.
• Manage the circulation of library books and materials, including check-out, check-in, shelving, inventory, and overdue or lost materials.
• Maintain an organized and accurate library catalog and circulation system.
• Evaluate the library collection and recommend new books, resources, technology, and materials based on curriculum needs and scholar interests.
• Maintain a diverse and age-appropriate collection that reflects a variety of cultures, backgrounds, experiences, interests, and perspectives.
• Ensure library materials and technology are maintained and used appropriately.
• Establish and consistently implement clear routines, procedures, and behavioral expectations for scholars using the library.
• Maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
• Communicate and collaborate professionally with teachers, administrators, families, and other members of the REACH community.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, school events, and other required activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal, Head of School, or school administration.

What We're Looking For

• Have a genuine passion for children's literature, reading, literacy, and elementary education.
• Enjoy working with young scholars in Kindergarten through Grade 4.
• Believe that every child can learn, grow, and develop a love of reading.
• Be energetic, creative, patient, and comfortable working with multiple grade levels.
• Have strong classroom and behavior management skills.
• Be able to make library lessons fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate for elementary-aged scholars.
• Be comfortable using educational technology and digital learning resources.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Be able to independently manage library materials, circulation, inventory, and resources.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other members of the school community.
• Be flexible, open to feedback, and willing to contribute new ideas.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Maintain excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Have a passion for working with scholars in an urban education setting.
• Be an active and enthusiastic member of the REACH community.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master's degree preferred.
• New York State certification as a School Library Media Specialist/Library Media Specialist, appropriate teaching certification, or the ability to meet applicable charter school teacher requirements under New York State law.
• Experience working with elementary-aged children is strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a school library, public library, classroom, literacy program, or similar educational setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of children's literature, literacy development, educational technology, and age-appropriate research skills.
• Strong technology, communication, classroom management, and organizational skills.
• A belief in and commitment to REACH Academy Charter School's mission, core beliefs, and educational philosophy.

Salary REACH Academy Charter School utilizes a teacher salary scale. Salary placement is based on certification status and eligible years of prior teaching experience.

A certified first-year teacher with no prior teaching experience currently starts at $45,000. REACH recognizes up to 10 years of eligible prior experience for placement on the salary scale, with Step 10 currently paying $65,830.

Final salary placement will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, certification, and verified prior experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity REACH Academy Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. REACH believes that every individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, disability, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Job Attachment : View Attachment

Salary: From : 45000.00

Salary: To : 65830.00

Salary Competitive : Y

Position Status : Full time

Start Date : 10/01/2026

Required Certification Type : Library Media Specialist {7020}, Childhood Education Grades 1-6 {3014}, Literacy Birth - Grade 6 {7061}

Contact Person's Name : Amie Caster

Contact Person's Title : Director of Human Resources

Contact Person's Phone : [phone]

Contact Person's Email : [e-mail]