Upper School Librarian, The Fessenden School, Newton, MA
Posted April 11, 2023
Description
The Fessenden School is an all boys independent day and boarding school serving 525 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 9th Grade in West Newton, MA. The Fessenden School’s mission is to cultivate each boy’s talents and develop in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. For more than 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational needs of boys.
The Fessenden School is looking for a creative, motivated, organized, and collaborative librarian to connect with boys in grades 7-9. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and appreciation for how the use of technology and nonprint resources enhances information literacy as defined by AASL
standards. The Upper School librarian will use this knowledge to collaborate with faculty to design learning opportunities for students. The candidate will also have a deep knowledge of Grade 7-9l literature for boys and be prepared to creatively promote reading and literature appreciation in the library, classrooms, and school community. The ability to prepare high-quality reading lists that are reflective of our diverse community and contribute to our ongoing commitment towards an inclusive collection is also required. A sense of humor, joy, and the ability to connect with early adolescents is directly connected to our mission.
Candidates need to be able to work collaboratively as one of three librarians in the Wheeler Library with a willingness to learn and grow into the role of one of our innovation coaches. Candidates should have a MLS degree or be working toward one and have a background in teaching. Applicants should also have a background in or willingness to learn makerspace technology and website design.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend daily Upper School morning meetings, weekly X-block assemblies
- Attend and participate in Library department meetings and Upper School department, grade-level, division, and full-faculty meetings
- Perform faculty duties as required (e.g., lunch, recess supervision)
- Supervise students in the library space
- Support library and school technology such as Google Suite, SORA/Overdrive, Alexandria
- Support in innovation and library classes
- Teach and stay current with curriculum and 21st century learning
- Incorporate project based learning, educational technology, differentiated learning, and cultural competency in lessons
- Exemplify the School’s mission and community principles, including the core values of honesty,
compassion, and respect - Maintain all documentation connected with the curriculum and students
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance
- Attain and maintain CPR/AED and first aid certification and child abuse prevention training provided by Fessenden
- Perform duties as assigned by the Head of Upper School
Schedule
- Orientation August 21 & 22
- School year August 28 to June 11
- Mon – Fri 7:30am to 4:30pm
Minimum Qualifications
- BA/BS degree
- Enthusiasm and communication skills to engage boys and build meaningful relationships
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage a classroom
- Ability to perform critical thinking, organization, prioritization, and problem solving with minimal supervision
- Ability to serve in a diverse community of colleagues, students, and parents
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, social justice, diversity, and equity
- A commitment to boys and boys’ education
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters of Library and Information Sciences from an ALA accredited institution or equivalent.
- Experience working with middle school-aged children.
- Familiarity with the following technology:
- Alexandria or similar library management system
- SORA/Overdrive
- WordPress or similar
- Google Suite
- Zoom/OWL
- Mac/Chromebook
Physical Demand and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that are essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. The requirements for performing the duties of this position are as follows:
- Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear
- Regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel
- Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds
- Majority of work is performed in a school/classroom environment, and the noise level in the environment is usually moderate.
To Apply
Every applicant must submit a cover letter, resume, and three references. Other pertinent materials may be submitted as well if desired.
The Fessenden School encourages applications from candidates with diverse or minority backgrounds.
The Fessenden School believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we
are not able to sponsor visas.