Arbor Schools is an independent Montessori school in Sammamish serving 170 students, from Toddler through 6th Grade. This multifaceted role includes managing the library (approximately 30%), supporting students’ and teachers’ library experiences and needs (approximately 40%), and providing individual and/or small group reading intervention sessions (approximately 30%). This role could be 4 or 5 days a week, with a total of 30 to 40 hours per week.
Library Specialist
The library specialist supports and nurtures a love of books and literature across the school. The library specialist cultivates curiosity while providing opportunities for the exploration of concepts, encouraging journeys through new worlds and discovery of unique perspectives. The library specialist is an integral part of the school community, supporting all programs, teachers, and students.
The library specialist has the opportunity to pass on a love for reading to students of all ages while also teaching students the fundamentals of using a library and its resources. Additionally, they collaborate with teachers to help them find necessary materials and resources to enhance classroom instruction.
The library specialist is responsible for organizing, managing, and developing our collections of journals, books, magazines, newspapers, electronic documents and other data resources. At the Elementary level with Kindergartners through 6th Grade, the library specialist is responsible for organizing mini lessons, crafts and story time. The library specialist works with small groups of children daily to help guide them to material of the appropriate reading and interest level, and support reading and language arts assessments as requested. They work to empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and use information ethically, fostering a love of learning and reading.
The library specialist creates thematic rotating displays that promote the school’s commitment to culturally responsive curriculum, diversity, equity and inclusion. The library specialist monitors the checking out and returning of books. In addition, they are responsible for helping students find and understand information within the library that they may need. They are also responsible for arranging the books and materials in ways that invite students to deepen their connection to their own literacy.
The library specialist reports directly to the Head of School, and partners closely with the school’s Administrative Team to build and sustain library programming and spaces that are consistent with the school’s mission and vision.
Elementary Reading Specialist
The Elementary Reading Specialist provides direct, individualized reading support to students in Grade 1-6 who have been identified as at risk or have language-based learning differences. The goal is to help these students gain the skills and confidence to read independently in all areas of their lives. The Reading Specialist works closely with the Elementary Lead Teachers to coordinate ways in which students can be supported in the development of their reading skills.
The Reading Specialist maintains and shares careful documentation of student progress with teachers and parents/caregivers, including regular assessments and updates. Orton-Gillingham is the preferred reading intervention methodology; Arbor is willing to sponsor the right candidate to become a trained Orton-Gillingham practitioner.
Qualities of the Arbor Library & Reading Specialist
This person loves books and loves to inspire children to read. They are friendly, welcoming, creative, and organized, demonstrating flexibility, approachability, a good sense of humor, and enthusiasm for working with students at multiple grade levels and ages. They are eager to learn.
They must have effective communication skills and can work well with others. They stay up-to-date on research, reading trends, book series, new works, digital literacy, and the worlds of children and young adult publishing.
Reading Instruction Responsibilities include:
- Teaching basic library skills in regularly scheduled classes in the library.
- Teaching students how to distinguish among various kinds of books, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and biography, and how to use the classification systems for finding books and other materials.
- Encouraging use of the library for information and recreation, while making it an interesting and important part of the school day.
- Conduct story hours for the younger students and arrange special programs
- Leading regular reading sessions with at-risk students
Organizational Responsibilities include:
- Supervise volunteers and student assistants
- Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and curriculum consultants for the design and implementation of units and lessons
- Embrace the Montessori method of education
- Provide the leadership and expertise necessary to ensure that the school library program serves the intended purpose
- Create an environment where collaboration and creative problem solving work in partnership to pursue education
- Maintain the library databases and catalog, including ordering and maintaining collections and managing the library budget
- Create and offer special library programming for Aftercare students
- Provide individual reading instruction to Elementary students who are identifies as needed additional support
- Create a resource-based environment that is conducive to active and participatory learning
- Maintain and follow up-to-date district policies regarding materials selection, circulation, reconsideration of materials, copyright, privacy and acceptable use
- Encourage instructional technology to engage students and to improve learning
- Collect and analyze data to improve instruction and to demonstrate correlations between the library programs and student achievement
- Ensure that support material for curricula include information, media, visual, digital, and technological literacy to support all students
- Maintain memberships in professional associations related to the field of library and information sciences
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in education or related field (Master's degree preferred)
- Proven experience working with Elementary-aged children in an educational setting
- Familiarity with various teaching methodologies, including Montessori and special education approaches
- Strong knowledge of childhood development and literacy acquisition
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Proficient computer skills
- Ability to adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students
- Experience in behavior management techniques is a plus
- Proven experience working with in library-type setting with digital catalog, collection management, and display design responsibilities
- WA State requirements including background check, First Aid and CPR certification, and more
Compensation & Details
- Time commitment: 30-40 hours per week, includes occasional special events on evening and weekends
- Pay rate: $29/hour to $34/hour, depending on experience and certifications
- Full benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement account SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer matching, 50% tuition discount for employee’s child(ren), generous paid time off and vacation pay
It is the policy of Arbor Montessori School to provide equal opportunity to all persons consistent with employment requirements and individual qualifications. Further, the policy prohibits discrimination in all employment practices for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Harassment for any of the above reasons, including any form of sexual harassment, is a discriminatory activity and is strictly prohibited. Arbor Montessori School is committed to providing opportunities for all of its employees to grow and prosper as professionals.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $29.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Grade school specialties:
- 1st grade
- 2nd grade
- 3rd grade
- 4th grade
- 5th grade
- 6th grade
- Elementary school
- English
- Kindergarten
- Reading
Physical setting:
- Montessori
- Private school
- School
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
Experience:
- Teaching: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Teaching Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Sammamish, WA 98075 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Sammamish, WA 98075: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person