Part-time Library Teacher

Fenn seeks an innovative and experienced educator with a strong background in children’s literature and educational technology and an interest in design thinking and integrated, problem-based research for the part-time (75% with prorated benefits) position of LIBRARY TEACHER. The successful candidate for this position will enjoy working closely with faculty to design and co-teach a library curriculum that includes information literacy, digital citizenship, love of literature, and critical thinking skills. Fenn hopes to find a proactive and collaborative individual who can: build positive, productive relationships with faculty and students; set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments with minimal direction; conduct work despite frequent interruptions associated with providing library services and monitoring the library; and manage and delegate tasks to a volunteer corps.

The library teacher will be asked to instruct students in groups or individually in skills related to: locating, selecting, and accessing print and digital resources for research or enjoyment; evaluating resources and ethically synthesizing information found in these resources; and promoting critical thinking, design thinking, and problem-based research. The library teacher will also be expected to collaborate with teachers to: integrate information and research skills into the classroom curriculum; develop inquiry-based units and activities; integrate digital citizenship and literacy into classroom curriculum; find innovative ways to update research projects using Web 2.0 and educational apps; and disrupt stereotypes and cultivate a sense of empathy by incorporating underrepresented voices into classroom literature. Finally, this individual will develop an active reader’s advisory service for students and faculty/staff and conduct regular book talks.

The Fenn School is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. A successful candidate will, therefore, be committed to the manifestation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the Fenn community. The ideal candidate will be able to support Fenn’s mission in all work with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Fenn strongly encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Responsibilities:

• Teach fixed-schedule Library classes to 4th and 5th grades, to be scheduled in coordination with the Library Director
   
• Teach classes as needed to 6th through 9th grades in collaboration with other teachers (information literacy, digital citizenship, love of literature, using library resources including NoodleTools, online catalog, digital databases)
   
• Organize and maintain a welcoming library environment
   
• Assist with source selection and evaluation and building of LibGuides
   
• Assist with building Library resources in MyFenn (Blackbaud)
   
• Assist with maintaining and developing a diverse print and cloud-based library collection
   
• Monitor library space and provide supervisory assistance during peak student hours
   
• Assist with library administration (ordering, cataloguing and processing materials, conducting annual inventory, updating patron reports, and running overdue notices)
   
• Compile digital lists, Destiny Discover collections, and Cloud Library shelves to highlight various aspects of our collection
   
• Create library displays
   
• Support the Library Director as needed

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; additional relevant training or experience preferred
   
• Experience working in a library, preferably in a school setting
   
• Knowledge of contemporary children’s literature appropriate for grades 4-9, including non-fiction and graphic format
   
• Experience with and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice work in a school setting
   
• A desire for and track record of professional growth
   
• A love for working with adolescent boys
   
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, setting priorities in a dynamic environment
   
• Proficiency with technology and a willingness to learn (we currently use Follett Destiny, LibGuides, Blackbaud, Google Suite including PearDeck and Jamboard, Padlet, Flipgrid)

Fenn offers a highly competitive salary and a generous benefits package. Interested candidates are asked to submit a letter of interest, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and contact information for professional references via email attachment to Nat Carr, Assistant Head for Faculty and Professional Development, at the following email address: employment@fenn.org. Receipt of materials will be acknowledged via email.

The Fenn School does not discriminate in hiring or terms or conditions of employment on the basis of sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, age, marital status, military or veteran status, application for military service, race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.