Librarian/Information Technology

We are seeking a warm, experienced, and innovative librarian and information technology specialist to join our teaching team, working as a teaching/learning partner with our students and families. The successful applicant will enjoy working in a collaborative environment and embrace an inquiry-based and developmental approach to teaching children. The ideal candidate will understand how to provide differentiated and extended learning experiences within the context of a progressive school and use a variety of teaching strategies to engage students in learning. Classroom management skills are a must. A love of learning and love of school, and a willingness to support unique and unpredictable learning journeys by students will help you thrive at Blue Oak School.

Blue Oak School, nestled in beautiful downtown Napa, CA, is a K-8 progressive school of about 200 students that offers a challenging and stimulating education to children of diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests. Through the culture and community of the School, teachers nurture the development of character and foster confidence, creativity, flexibility and curiosity in each child. Students, in turn, encourage each other to learn. Relationships among freedom, responsibility, community and environment are explored through studies that engage students as stewards in service to the School, the region, and the world. Blue Oak School does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual or gender identity in its hiring processes and actively promotes the principles and practices of diversity throughout the school community.  

The salary may vary depending on preparation, skills and experience. Competitive benefits, for eligible employees, include medical, dental, life insurance, 401k retirement match, and generous paid time off benefits.

• Teaching Credential and/or MEd or related field
• MLIS preferred or in process
• A minimum of three years classroom teaching or library experience in a K-8 environment
• Experience with progressive pedagogy, student-centered learning, project-based learning, integrated curriculum planning, and authentic measures of student learning
• A commitment to creating an inclusive classroom community that allows for a multitude of perspectives to be heard and respected 
• A love of working with students and creating a joyful learning environment 
• An understanding of library and information science curricula, including ISTE standards
• Experience in evaluating and selecting print and digital resources with a commitment to equity and inclusion
• Knowledge and experience with appropriate technology including G Suite for Education, Microsoft Office, iPad usage, Follett Destiny Library Manager, social networking platforms, databases and digital content.
• Conversational Spanish is a plus

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive library and digital/information literacy curriculum for all grades, including digital citizenship
• Empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers and skillful researchers 
• Create a joyful, vibrant, and welcoming environment in the library
• Provide reading support for students 
• Promote a lifelong love of reading and a robust reading culture 
• Schedule and lead book clubs, book talks, book fairs, author visits, displays, etc. 
• Ensure the library collection represents a diverse and multicultural range of authors and topics 
• Maintain the library collection (print and online), including circulation, collection development, inventory, and evaluation with an eye toward diversity and multiculturalism.
• Assist Homeroom teachers in their implementation of 3-5 keyboarding classes 
• Manage the implementation of acceptable use agreements for grades K - 8
• Collaborate with teachers to teach research and information technology skills through project-based/inquiry-based units, including the develop of curriculum incorporating the use of technology 
• Have a passion for consuming, sharing and creating content in all different forms - books, podcasts, articles, etc. - and be able to model this excitement for students and colleagues
• Maintain appropriate inventory of classroom technology assets (projectors, cables, laptops, printers, document cameras, etc.) by including them in the library catalog
• Maintain library budget
• Make recommendations for ideal educational technology to support student learning experiences
• Provide professional development to support the development of teachers’ learning technology skills and lead workshops for students and parents, as needed
• Recruit and train parent library volunteers
• Evaluate new technologies and educate colleagues about emerging trends and best practices, including trends in software, hardware, curriculum, teaching strategies and other areas
• Develop best practices for instructional technology use
• Prepare and offer middle school exploratory courses as requested
• Assist with supervisory tasks, library monitoring, recess duties, and other duties as assigned

Attributes

• Commitment to personal and professional development and a growth mindset
• High expectations for self, colleagues and students
• Hardworking, organized, good communicator, and reliable
• Ability to model professional and ethical standards when working with students and families
• Sense of humor, authentic empathy, warmth, and collegiality
• Desire and ability to contribute to student and community life inside and outside the classroom
• Commitment to social justice and fostering culturally competent and inclusive classrooms
• Ability to model professional and ethical standards when working with students and families
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to exercise gentle authority consistent with our school culture
• Strong communication skills with students, parents and colleagues