Teacher Librarian - Hunt and Mason

Tacoma Public Schools; Washington; On-site; USD 75,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools is hiring a Library Media Specialist to support two middle schools, Mason and Hunt, with a focus on information literacy, research, and instructional leadership. The position requires a valid Washington State teaching certificate with a Library Media endorsement and a teaching content area endorsement, plus experience as a classroom teacher.

Expected start date September 1, 2026, with 1.0 FTE and 7.5 hours per day.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with Learning Resources endorsement.
• Master’s degree in Librarianship or Education with Learning Resources endorsement preferred.
• Two years’ experience as a classroom teacher or equivalent.
• Valid Washington State teaching certification in appropriate endorsement area.
• Learning Resources endorsement or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Administers the library media center and provides access for staff and students to materials and services.
• Collaborates with teachers to integrate information literacy across lessons and promote research skills.
• Teaches information curriculum aligned with state and district standards.
• Facilitates and models the use of instructional technology for the learning community.
• Oversees selection of a balanced school library materials collection.
• Collaborates with staff to develop and support standard-aligned student learning opportunities.
• Participates in meetings and professional development to stay current with trends.

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026

FTE: 1.0

Hours per day: 7.5

Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $75,462 (BA+0 step 1) through $147,998 (MA+90 step 20)

Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 workdays, 10-month

Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.

Additional Information: This position will support two Middle Schools: Mason and Hunt. The exact work schedule will be determined by the building administrators.. This position requires a valid WA State Teaching certificate with a Library Media or related endorsement along with a teaching content area endorsement.

SUMMARY

This position performs as teacher, information specialist, and instructional leader to the assigned school/building staff and students; collaborates with classroom teachers and specialists to design and implement lessons and units of instruction; equips staff and students with necessary knowledge and skills; assesses student learning and instructional effectiveness; provides the leadership and expertise necessary to ensure that the School Library Program (SLP) aligns with the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement and is an integral component of the learning/instructional program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Administers the library media center providing access for the maximum time allowed by staffing; facilitates use of various types of materials, equipment, and services; assists students and staff in locating and using materials for the purpose of performing as instructional leader to assigned building staff and students.
2. Collaborates with teachers and staff to integrate information literacy competencies throughout the teaching and learning process; empowers students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers and ethical users of information; teaches proper use of library media materials for the purpose of providing learning experiences to equip staff and students with the necessary knowledge and skills.
3. Teaches staff and students in information curriculum following the suggested library skills, grade level expectations in alignment with State and National Learning Standards and of the Tacoma Public Schools; uses a variety of materials and resources to address individual learning differences; instills a love of learning in all students and ensures equitable access to information for the purpose of providing learning experiences to equip staff and students with the necessary knowledge and contemporary, applicable skills.
4. Facilitates and models the use of Instructional Technology to engage students and to improve learning, providing on demand access to digital information resources for the entire learning community; coordinates use of technology hardware and software in assigned school/buildings for the purpose of performing as instructional consultant to assigned school/building staff and students.
5. Oversees and directs the selection of a well-balanced materials collection for the school library working in cooperation with building staff and in conjunction with other librarians in the District for the purpose of performing as information specialist to assigned building staff and students.
6. Collaborates with staff in using information resources; recommends and provides instructional materials for the development and support of standard aligned student learning opportunities for the purpose of performing as instructional leader to assigned building staff.
7. Participates in and/or leads meetings, seminars, or conferences; studies professional journals to remain up to date on current trends and changes in the field to support staff and students as instructional leader and information specialist; supervises students in lunchroom, in hallways, on school grounds, and in any program held at the school under School District sanction.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position and improving professional competence by participating in professional development activities and training, as required, as needed or as assigned; promotes library media services for students and teachers at the District, regional and state levels.
2. Attends staff meetings as called by the Administrators and serves on staff committees; monitors paraeducators and other classroom office assistance as required; provides guidance and works with staff members in an appropriate manner.
3. Develops and maintains a professional and collegial relationships with colleagues; collaborates with peers and administrators to improve student learning; supports appropriate conduct and performance of job duties; adheres to Tacoma Public School Board policies; contributes to the development of new teachers and student teachers per District guidelines.
4. Actively develops knowledge of updated learning standards and instructional strategies on latest curriculum guides; keeps updated on resources and methods and makes relevant changes to instructional plans and activities.
5. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
6. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.

CONDITIONS

Experiences frequent interruptions; may be confined to work station for prolonged periods; required to work flexible hours and a flexible calendar; may be required to work with and defuse, if appropriate, difficult and sensitive situations; may have to be out in inclement weather to supervise students; may be exposed to high noise levels; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree with Learning Resources endorsement; Master’s degree in Librarianship or in Education with Learning Resources endorsement, preferred; two years’ experience as a classroom teacher; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State teaching certification in appropriate endorsement area.

Learning Resources endorsement from SPI or equivalent hours in the six endorsement areas or ability to obtain within the first six months of employment.

Completion of all District-required trainings, as assigned.

Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development.
• Knowledge and skill in instructional principles, methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable Washington State and Federal rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of subject matter/course content relevant to assignment.
• Knowledge of and skills in using various formative and summative assessments.
• Skill in operating a variety of library media equipment and in technology.
• Skill in obtaining, clarifying and exchanging information.
• Skill in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Skill in attention to detail.
• Skill in classroom management.
• Skill in handling student discipline.
• Skill in providing quality customer service.
• Ability to operate a personal computer with word processing software applications.
• Ability to obtain, clarify and exchange information.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities.
• Ability to perform as a team member.
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written forms with all levels of management, both internal and external to the District.
• Ability to use informational technology.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and use sound judgment.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Ability to work with difficult and/or sensitive situations to provide appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to serve as role model and treat students and colleagues as individuals in a professional and ethical manner.
• Ability to adhere to all Tacoma Public School Board policies.
• Ability to support the School/Building, School Board, District and State curriculum, policies and initiatives for student achievement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, bend, climb and/or be mobile.
• Ability to serve as an effective role model for social, emotional and behavior skills development, including speech and language.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.