Librarian

About SEED

As the first public, college-preparatory boarding schools in the U.S., SEED’s mission and approach to education are unique. SEED schools are tuition-free and, by design, serve traditionally underserved students. Our schools and graduates are supported by The SEED Foundation. The SEED Foundation provides programmatic and operating support to SEED schools in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Miami. The SEED Foundation’s College Transition & Success (CTS) team provides intensive, individualized support to each SEED graduate from their junior year of high school through their college graduation. The success of the SEED model has been showcased in media outlets and publications such as 60 Minutes, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and in the documentary film Waiting for “Superman.” President Barack Obama has hailed SEED as “a true success story.” For more information, please visit www.seedfoundation.com.

The SEED School of Washington, DC

The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. (SEED DC) is the nation’s first college-preparatory, public boarding school. SEED DC’s mission is to provide an outstanding, intensive educational program that prepares children, both academically and socially, for success in college and beyond.  SEED DC opened in 1998 and currently serves more than 350 students in middle school and high school.  As a boarding school, SEED DC has a unique opportunity to foster learning opportunities in the day and evening through its: (1) rigorous college preparatory curriculum which incorporates the appropriate mix of content areas, deep development of writing and critical thinking skills so that students are prepared for college level coursework, (2) comprehensive Student Life program which provides academic support to students through structured study halls and homework centers; extracurricular activities such as dance, chess, robotics, theater and athletics; and life skills instruction through the HALLS (Habits for Achieving Life-Long Success) curriculum, and (3) wide range of external opportunities such as international trips, internships and community service learning projects so that our students feel greater satisfaction and are better positioned for success in college.

Position Overview

The SEED Public Charter School seeks an innovative, collaborative, and service-oriented individual to fill the position of Librarian. The librarian will foster a creative, flexible environment so that the school library is an essential part of the learning community. They will develop and maintains resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learners, and instructional strategies of the school community cooperates. Develop and teach an information literacy and research curriculum in the High School. Ensure that the information literacy and research curriculum complement the digital literacy and classroom curricula in grades 9-12.

Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Learn and support the efforts of our middle school Readers Workshop initiative
• Create and sustain policies and procedures for a fully functioning library that supports a standards-based middle school and rigorous college preparatory upper school
• Select, catalogue and process new materials (online and text, classroom library and general library materials)
• Establish programs and services including open library hours, class visits and special programs and events that meet the academic and boarding needs of the students
• To educate the staff about the role of the school library media center and stimulate teacher interest in using it
• To act as a consultant to teachers and staff on questions dealing with media and to advise faculty on the application of a broad spectrum of Library Media technology to instructional programs
• To educate the staff about the role of the school library media center and stimulate teacher interest in using it
• Present a sequential program of study and research skills which prepares students for conventional research demands as well as for the unique opportunities resulting from technological advances
• Communicate library skills/knowledge, resources, and curriculum materials in an interesting, stimulating, and effective manner to students and staff
• Collaborate with fellow teachers on planning and delivering instruction, professional development, and curriculum design to contribute to the continuous improvement of instruction and development of information literacy at the school
• Provide for an engaging and visually stimulating library learning environment
• Attend department meetings with our English department
• Design and plan for community literacy events
• Plans, implements and evaluates library programs and services which fulfill the diverse educational, recreational and personal needs of scholars.
• Identify special needs of students and seek additional help, as needed
• Formulate a yearly budget
• Train, coordinate and supervise student and community volunteers
• Participate in faculty meetings, workshops, staff development programs, and other school sponsored activities
• Participate in summer programming including direct service to incoming and returning SEED youth and curriculum work with colleagues
• Adhere to the professional and ethical standards as outlined in the SEED PCS Staff Manual

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Institution
• MLS or related coursework/experience
• School and/or urban youth experience
• Literacy and developmental reading experience highly desired

Essential Experience, Skills, and Competencies

• Good Teaching skills
• Strong visionary skills to seek innovative uses of technology to further library service goals
• Ability to identify and translate scholars needs and interests into effective library services and programs
• Able to learn and stay current with emerging technology, including digital media
• Ability to stay informed of new and emerging technologies and their potential impact on successful instruction and learning

A SEED Employee:

• Is committed to SEED’s mission and its beliefs;
• Thinks strategically in aligning one’s own work streams to the larger organizational mission;
• Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills, with creative and positive energy for working with youth;
• Behaves professionally in a fast-paced environment and with a variety of constituents;
• Works independently as well as collaboratively with a team while managing multiple tasks

To apply for the Librarian position at SEED DC:

Please forward your resume and cover letter, including salary expectations.

NOTE: Applicants will not be considered without including a resume, cover letter and salary expectations.

SEED is committed to the letter and spirit of equality.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and other programs.