Gerstell Academy is an independent, co-educational, non-sectarian college preparatory school for students entering Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. As the first leadership school established in Maryland, Gerstell Academy is devoted to the development of leadership skills with an emphasis on physical fitness and to the mastery of fundamental knowledge in a traditional college preparatory curriculum. Gerstell’s leadership-based program develops moral values, social skills, manners, and critical thinking in tomorrow's citizens, while promoting rigorous academics. The four pillars of a Gerstell education include: Leadership, College Preparatory Academics, Physical Training, and Modern Language Proficiency. For additional information about Gerstell Academy, please visit
www.gerstell.org
The ideal Library Media Specialist candidate will ideally have experience in creating a welcoming library space, developing a library's collection in support of the school’s mission in both digital and print, and utilizing Follett Destiny to track inventory, catalog resources, and manage circulation. In developing and implementing purposeful instruction in media and research, the desired candidate will be able to teach media as a vehicle to teach leadership education and character development to Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade students.
Duties include teaching Library/Media classes in PK – 4th grade and 5th/6th Technology classes, along with the Mission, Motto, Principles and Attributes, serving on faculty committees, creating curriculum maps, and performing other duties as assigned to develop the Preschool through 12th grade program. Topics covered include media skills such as citations, web searches, and utilizing databases. Our project-based curriculum utilizes Microsoft 365 applications, basic computer use, introduction to coding, digital citizenship, and Internet safety.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Plan, prepare, and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning of all students
- Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and each class through grade reporting, adjusting when necessary
- Provide curated book lists, digital tools, and research materials that align with classroom instruction
- Develop library programming, such as author visits, reading contests and challenges, literacy-themed celebrations, book talks, reading clubs, and library displays
- Support teachers in enhancing research, implementing project-based learning, and procuring field trips to enhance learning
- Collaborate with teachers to integrate technology into lessons for student engagement
- Engage families through special events to promote a shared love of reading including but not limited to book fairs & literacy nights
- Prepare dynamic presentations on a variety of leadership topics for weekly school gatherings, producing news shows, and organizing student-leaders to assist in daily library operations
- Perform additional daily duties that may or may not directly relate to instruction, such as lunch, recess, and dismissal duty
- Stay informed about educational technology trends and introduce digital tools and platforms that enhance learning and research.
General Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred
- Working knowledge of and experience in basic computer and hardware software applications. Experience in Windows 11 / Microsoft 365 platform is strongly preferred
- Ability to analyze student development and appropriately adjust instruction to meet student needs
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to communicate passionately, clearly, and concisely in writing and orally
- Maintains a positive relationship with parents to create a nurturing and mentoring environment for children, meeting with families and colleagues to provide information on student progress and needs
- Must possess exceptional organizational abilities: perform multiple projects, prioritize, and provide attention to detail and respect deadlines
- Must demonstrate awareness of sensitive issues and ability to exercise good judgment in relating to families, students, and faculty/staff
Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Mr. Ben Thompson, Head of Lower School, via email at
bthompson@gerstell.org.