Library Media Specialist (2026-2027)

Library Media Specialist

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1600 students from PreK12 and is a free open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School Guadalupe Centers Middle School and Guadalupe Centers High School.

GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers educational programs part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically socially and emotionally for college career and life success.

^{Why Work at GCCS}

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative research-based classroom practices that meet the needs of diverse learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection collaboration and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level

• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)

• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)

• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)

• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs

• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)

• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1600 annually)

• Comprehensive health dental and vision coverage

Reports to:Building Principal

Summary

The Library Media Specialist provides students and staff with access to a comprehensive equitable and inclusive library media program aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards DESE school library guidelines and charter school accountability requirements. The librarian fosters information literacy digital citizenship research skills and a culture of reading while supporting instructional rigor and 21st-century learning.

The incumbent collaborates closely with teachers Teaching Methods Coaches and Instructional Technology Support staff to integrate research literacy and technology across the curriculum in compliance with state and federal expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Instruction & Support

• Provides direct library/media instruction aligned to the Missouri Learning Standards AASL Standards Framework andLEA curriculum expectations.

• Delivers weekly scheduled library instruction at the elementary level and targeted research literacy and reference instruction at the secondary level to support classroom learning.

• Teaches students to locate evaluate and ethically use digital and print information including instruction on plagiarism prevention citation and digital citizenship.

• Promotes appropriate student conduct and responsible use of library materials technology and facilities.

• Supports students in developing independent reading habits research skills and information literacy competencies.

• Provides reading guidance and instructional support to students with varied learning needs interests and language backgrounds.

• Makes provisions for student and parent support outside the instructional day when appropriate and consistent with school expectations.

^{Teacher Collaboration & Instructional Support}

• Collaborates with classroom teachers to plan co-teach and support instruction that integrates library resources research skills and instructional technology.

• Assists teachers in selecting high-quality instructional and supplemental materials aligned to curriculum and DESE expectations.

• Provides professional learning and informal training to staff on available library resources digital tools databases and research platforms (e.g. MOREnet public library systems and building-specific resources).

• Maintains and communicates information regarding new library materials instructional technologies and research tools.

• Supports schoolwide literacy initiatives and interdisciplinary projects.

• Collaborates with Teaching Methods Coaches and Instructional Technology Support Teachers to embed research and media literacy skills across content areas.

^{Building-Level Library Operations}

• Manages and supervises assigned school library facilities in compliance with charter school policies and DESE guidelines.

• Develops and maintains an organized accessible and age-appropriate library collection including cataloging and circulation systems.

• Oversees circulation of materials to support independent reading and instructional needs for students across grade levels.

• Evaluates selects requisitions and deselects library materials using professional standards curricular alignment and input from instructional staff.

• Manages the library budget responsibly and ensures timely and appropriate use of funds in accordance with charter and district fiscal procedures.

• Creates engaging frequently updated displays bulletin boards and exhibits that promote literacy and learning.

• Serves as a member of building-level technology and/or instructional committees as assigned.

• Demonstrates proficiency in instructional technology and library management systems.

^{LEAResponsibilities}

• Attends scheduled librarian meetings professional learning communities and charter-wide collaboration sessions.

• Participates in district- or charter-wide professional development related to library services literacy instructional technology and curriculum.

• Completes required training related to state and district online assessments digital platforms and compliance expectations.

• Participates in interlibrary loan and material-sharing systems by monitoring reports fulfilling holds and coordinating exchanges between schools and partner libraries.

_{^{Required Skills and Abilities}}

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

• Knowledge of library science principles information literacy instruction and media management.

• Ability to integrate instructional technology and digital resources into teaching and learning.

• Commitment to serving diverse and historically underserved student populations.

• Ability to work effectively in a charter school environment with flexibility and innovation.

_{^{Education and Certification Requirements}}

• Bachelors degree in Library Science Education or a closely related field (required).

• Valid Missouri DESE certification as a School Librarian (K12) or Library Media Specialist (K12) (required).

• Experience in an urban or charter school setting preferred.

• Bilingual proficiency preferred (English required; Spanish strongly preferred).

^{_{Physical Demands and Work Environment}}

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.

• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 15 pounds.

• Ability to reach high shelves bend squat and access materials at various heights and angles.

• Ability to move throughout all areas of the school and related facilities.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Application Process:

Please complete an online application at your resume cover letter transcripts and certification (if applicable).

^{Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:}

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from women minorities veterans and individuals with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on race color religion gender national origin age disability genetic information sexual orientation or veteran status. We also prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forward complaints or participate in investigations of discrimination.

Required Experience:

IC