Part-Time Librarian (0.5 FTE)

Westside School teachers and staff work collaboratively to inspire creativity, innovation, and to deepen our sense of community. Westside faculty are exceptionally qualified in our fields, committed to being lifelong learners, and passionate about our work. Our academic structure places a high value on integrated curriculum and project-based learning with intentional administrative support. At Westside School, we value different backgrounds and ideas and we strive to build an inclusive community. Individuals from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.

Located in the Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle, Westside serves ~400 students in preschool through eighth grade. Westside School has seen tremendous growth in the past two years, with waitlists from preschool to 4th grade. 29% of our student body are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. 

Westside School seeks a dynamic part-time School Librarian for the 2022-2023 school year, primarily supporting our Pre-K-4th grade classrooms. The ideal candidate will support our school’s mission, goals, and vision; bring a spirit of enthusiasm and energy; and be willing to take thoughtful initiative in a collaborative setting. We are looking for applicants who are independent, creative, and who can design and develop library programming that inspires curiosity, inquiry, and a life-long love of reading.

Responsibilities

• Promote and advance the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being of students during library classes.
• Implement a comprehensive information literacy curriculum.
• Teach each class of PK-4th grade, one hour every two weeks.
• Collaborate with teachers to teach project-based research skills and develop a curriculum using 21st century skills that incorporate the use of information literacy and technology.
• Coordinate regularly with classroom teachers about curriculum and classroom areas of study. 
• Understand the needs of and enjoy working with PS-8th grade aged students (primarily PreK-4th).
• Promote a lifelong love of reading and a robust reading culture through regularly scheduled book groups, author visits, displays, etc.
• Ensure the library collection represents a diverse and multicultural range of authors and topics.
• Empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, and skillful researchers.
• Oversee the maintenance of the library collection including circulation, collection development, inventory, and evaluation.
• Play an active role in special events such as book fairs and author visits.
• Create and maintain a joyful, vibrant, organized, and welcoming environment.
• Additional duties as assigned such as, lunch, snack, and recess.

Qualifications:

• Master of Library Science (MLS) preferred.
• At least 3 years of library and/or teaching experience.
• Flexibility, curiosity, enthusiasm, and extensive knowledge of children’s literature.
• Strong knowledge of the content area, teaching methods, learning styles, and educational research related to PK-4th grade learners and readers.
• An understanding of the scope and the sequence of library and information literacy curriculum.
• Experience in evaluating and selecting print and digital resources with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to collaborate proactively with students, faculty, and parents.

Technology and Software Knowledge:

• G Suite for Education, Microsoft Office, iPad usage, Follett Destiny Library Manager, database, and digital content.

Start Date: August 18th, 2022

Westside School Mission

Westside School prepares students for the world by challenging them to achieve academic success, and by connecting their human spirit and imagination to learning.

Westside School's Diversity Statement

Westside School is committed to promoting inclusiveness, diversity, and cultural competence in its education, employment practices, school community, and governance. It views inclusiveness as a fundamental value, diversity as a key element, and cultural competence as a vital skill necessary to prepare students to participate in and contribute to a global society. 

Westside uses the term diversity broadly to encompass differences in the attributes of individuals, families, and communities.

COVID-19 School Mandate: Westside School follows WA State Government’s mandates in regard to COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to the mandate that all school employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (excluding religious and medical exemptions), including a booster shot. 

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will be based on experience according to Westside’s 2022-23 Teacher Salary Scale. This is a half-time position for the 2022-2023 school year.  Westside School does not offer health benefits to part-time employees; however, benefits do include professional development and flexibility with time off. 

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, statement of educational philosophy, and a list of 3 references to employment@westsideschool.org

Westside School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.