About KIPP Baltimore

KIPP is a non-profit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools serving elementary, middle and high school students.  Our schools are part of the free public school system and enrollment is open to all students in Baltimore City.  KIPP Baltimore was founded in 2002 with the opening of KIPP Ujima Village Academy middle school.  In 2009, KIPP Harmony Academy was launched, and they now collectively serve more than 1,500 kindergarten through eighth grade students each day.  Both schools are operated by KIPP Baltimore, whose mission is together with families and communities, to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. 

In addition to the high-quality academic opportunities that students receive while attending KIPP Harmony Academy and KIPP Ujima Village Academy, KIPP Baltimore also makes a long-term investment in our students both while they are at KIPP schools and beyond through the KIPP Through College program.  KIPP Through College supports and guides students to gain admission to college-preparatory high schools and supports them on pathways to post-secondary success.  KIPP Baltimore is part of a non-profit network of 255 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

KIPP Baltimore is seeking a highly qualified Library Media Specialist for the 2021-2022 school year.

Reporting to the School Leader (Principal), the Library Media Specialist is expected to plan and administer the library media program for grades K-8. The person in this role will plan and provide instruction to students and training to staff. They will manage the library media center’s budget, materials, facilities, and equipment. Supports the school library media program’s mission and vision and communicates it to administrators, staff, students, parents, and the community
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Library Media Specialist responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

●        Leadership & Program Administration

o   Continually assesses and maintains library-based information sources for institutional and individual reporting purposes and related to desired educational goals, objectives and outcomes.

o   Responsible for the completion of all mandated and requested forms, surveys, and reports from MSDE and Baltimore City Public School. MSDE Annual Report, City Schools Document of Compliance, City Schools Monthly Report (due quarterly), Collection Development Plan, Visual Analysis, etc.

o   Assigns work to and supervise instructional assistants and parent and student volunteers if applicable.

o   Schedules the use of the information resource center.

o   Works with parents and community to ensure ongoing communication and instructional support system.

o   Ensures the library is attractive, healthful, safe, and conducive to learning and that materials are in good condition and accessible to students.

o   Supports or participates in school wide student activities and social events and approved fundraising activities.

o   Develops and leads in-service training and staff development activities as required or assigned.

o   Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards.

●        Teacher & Instructional Partner

o   Works with the staff to implement  Information Literacy Content Standards, Educational Technology Standards and Skills, and Media Literacy.

o   Coordinates library-based student instructional activities and collaborates with other professional staff both school and non-school-based to better integrate library/multimedia services to maximize student learning opportunities.

o   Participates in professional development activities scheduled specifically for information resource teachers.

o   Participates in school wide committees as required or assigned.

o   Ensures continuous communication with parents, both written and oral, to keep them informed of student(s) progress on educational goals and outcomes.

o   Manages allotted learning time to maximize student achievement.

o   Develops, adapts, modifies, and individualizes educational materials, resources, techniques, methods, and strategies to meet the needs of students within the curriculum framework.

o   Demonstrates competence in the subject fields pertinent to the instruction of students.

o   Demonstrates the use of both traditional and innovative instructional methodologies in working with various sub-groups within the populations of students.

o   Participates in in-service training, staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned.

●        Technology & Information Partner

o   Utilizes a variety of instructional materials and available multimedia and computer technology to enhance learning, e.g., application programs, access data in a variety formats.

o   Supports teachers in their use of technology in order to increase understanding and application of information literacy in all curriculum areas.

o   Coordinates professional development activities directly related to the use of technology.

o   Models for staff effective instructional and productivity uses of technology.

o   Team teaches with classroom teachers when appropriate to integrate information literacy with instruction.

o   May serve on the school technology committee to advise school leadership on best practices and procurement of technology.

QUALIFICATIONS/ SKILLS:

●        Eligible for a Maryland Educator certificate as Library Media Specialist.

●        Master's degree preferably in library sciences, education, or related field. Degree must be from an accredited college or institution.

●        Knowledge of child growth and development.

●        Skills in oral and written communication.

●        Excellent human relations skills.

●        Ability to select instructional planning, management, and evaluation procedures that relate to students needs and the demands of the instructional environment.

●        Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional programs.

●        Ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students.

●        Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents.

●        A passion for the mission of KIPP Baltimore.

●        Strong sense of ownership and accountability of work product.

●        Knowledge of public education reform landscape a plus.

●        A healthy measure of the character traits we value: zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude and a sense of humor.

●        Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher) and Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc…)

Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

KIPP Baltimore staff members are required to be fully vaccinated for the Covid virus or have a valid medical or religious accommodation where approval is determined by an interactive process with KIPP Baltimore.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:  KIPP Baltimore is committed to the ideal of diversity in its student body and in its faculty and staff.  KIPP Baltimore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity. We are strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.