2025-2026 Librarian - Elementary (197 Days)

Job Title: Elementary Librarian Wage/ Status: Exempt

Reports to: Elementary Principal HR Revised: July 2025

Department: Primary Years Programme

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY
The primary function of the Westlake Academy librarian is to cultivate a lifelong love of reading by engaging students with literature and fostering growth through the IB learner profile and approaches to learning. The librarian supports classroom teachers in Tier 1 instruction by providing resources co-teaching lessons and by providing instructional coaching. They also offer strategies that foster inquiry reading comprehension and information collaborate with teachers to bring units of study to life in the library ensuring that the library is an extension of the classroom where transdisciplinary learning is enriched and meaningful. The librarian provides services and resources that allow students to develop skills in locating evaluating synthesizing and using information to solve problems. Serving as a master teacher materials expert and curriculum adviser the librarian ensures that the library/media center is an integral and dynamic part of the instructional programs of the Primary Years Programme.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Masters degree from an accredited college of university.
• State certification in related subject areas.
• Valid Texas School Library certification.
• Demonstrate competency in IB Curriculum and Instruction preferred.
• Completion and successful results of the state-required fingerprinting and criminal background check is required.
• Ability to comply with all TEA regulations applicable federal state and local laws school policies and standards of the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Is legally able to work in the United States.

Experience:

• Two (2) plus years of experience in an educational or IB environment desirable
• Knowledge of Library Science
• Knowledge of and skill in utilizing technology devices used by teachers and students
• Knowledge of authentic technology integration

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

Managing & Curating

• Adopts Westlake Academys library/media philosophy WA vision and WA mission statements consistent with the IB curriculum.
• Creates a safe accessible and inviting learning environment for all students.
• Coordinates daily operations of the physical library space.
• Maintains accurate records of library holdings including acquisition circulation and maintenance.
• Inform teachers students staff and parents about new materials and involve them in selection.
• Establishes a plan for acquisition and replacement of library hardware and software.
• Executes a maintenance program for library material and equipment.
• Investigates and evaluates library products services and equipment available for purchase or lease/rental.
• Organizes the storage and handling of all resources for convenience availability and effective use.
• Prepares an annual budget for the library and assists the Head of School in budgetary planning for the library.
• Keeps educationally and professionally informed by participating in professional organizations coursework workshops conferences and by reading professional literature.
• Maintains library digital resources and ensures easy access for students teachers staff and administrators.
• Utilizes reports to monitor circulation and usage.
• Creates and implements a selection policy for maintaining a collection that engages students and supports the IB programmes.
• Recruits trains and supports volunteers (students and parents) to assist in the daily operations of the library.
• Updates and maintains a library website with current news and digital resources for students teachers and families.
• Implement systems for organizing physical and digital resources to facilitate location and access effectively connecting patrons with resources.

Teaching

• Provides in collaboration with classroom teachers explicit instruction to develop the IB approaches to learning specifically in research communication and thinking skills.
• Designs and implements lessons that familiarize students with a range of authors and genres in both print and digital formats.
• Designs and implements lessons that empower students to locate access and use information in a principled manner.
• Guides students in developing a desire to read for pleasure and helps students identify resources that are suited for the individual.
• Understand implement and model how students use multiliteracies through the various phases of the inquiry cycle.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborates regularly with the PYP instructional leadership team to strengthen Tier 1 instruction contributing to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning practices across the campus.
• Collaborates with the IB coordinators to produce supplementary teaching and learning materials that support IB conceptual understandings and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
• Collaborate regularly with the IB coordinators and teachers to design implement and reflect on IB unit planners.
• Assists teachers in acquiring library resources that promote reading development inquiry and information literacy.
• Provides professional development related to library services reading inquiry formational literacy and academic integrity.
• Attend faculty meetings and other appropriate staff meetings.
• Collaborate with the secondary librarian (shared resources budgeting school-wide initiatives).
• Collaborates with the technology integration specialist to support teachers and students with digital tools digital resources Makerspace activities and digital citizenship.
• Complies with TEA regulations applicable federal state and local laws school policies and standards of the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

Advocacy & Outreach

• Builds a strong library brand that increases the visibility of library resources and services.
• Aligns programming and services to meet the needs of 21st century learners.
• Creates a culture of reading through book promotions and library programming including author visits book fairs and community events.
• Works to coordinate resources and activities with area libraries.

OTHER DUTIES

• Teach classes as decided by the PYP Principal or Head of School.
• Attend Board meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated at least annually by the PYP Principal.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.

Posture: Frequent standing kneeling/squatting bending/stooping pushing/pulling and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking; repetitive hand motions frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Regular moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.); may lift and move equipment; occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior.

Environment: Work inside may work outside.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.

DISCLAIMER

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees for this job.