The Lower School Librarian supports Miami Country Day School’s mission by cultivating a joyful culture of reading, inquiry, and responsible technology use among students in PK3 through Grade 5. This role combines traditional librarianship with developmentally appropriate digital literacy, media literacy, and early digital citizenship instruction.
The Librarian provides weekly library instruction, collaborates with teachers on integrated learning experiences, curates a diverse and inclusive collection, and ensures that Lower School students develop joy in reading, foundational research, media comprehension, and safe digital behaviors.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TASKS:
- Plans and teaches weekly library classes for PK3–5th grade in coordination with classroom teachers and specialists.
- Teach developmentally appropriate research and information literacy skills aligned with AASL standards, including questioning, source evaluation, ethical information use, and creative sharing.
- Designs experiences that integrate storytelling, author studies, genre exploration, and multimodal reading resources.
- Develop and refine a PK3–Grade 5 scope and sequence for library, research, media literacy, and digital citizenship skills, using student work and classroom feedback to strengthen instruction over time.
- Support teachers in selecting and using technology tools that enhance learning while reinforcing digital safety and healthy media habits.
- Oversee daily library operations, including circulation, cataloging, scheduling, inventory, collection maintenance, and the organization of the physical and digital library environment.
- Actively participate in faculty meetings, planning teams, grade-level collaborations, and cross-divisional initiatives.
- Collaborate with academic leaders to lead parent workshops on children’s reading development, balanced tech use, screen time, online safety, and media choices.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Education, or a related field (MLS/MLIS preferred).
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience working with early childhood and/or elementary-aged students.
- Demonstrated knowledge of children’s literature and early literacy development.
- Experience teaching or supporting instruction with PK3-5th grade learners.
- Understanding of digital literacy, media literacy, and age-appropriate digital citizenship.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and community-building skills.
Preferred
- Familiarity with AASL, ISTE, and Common Sense Education standards.
- Background in educational technology, instructional design, or digital media integration.
- Experience in collection development and library program management.
- Experience coordinating family programming or author events.
- Understanding of SEL approaches for early childhood and elementary students.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science, Education, or a related field
- MLS or MLIS degree
- Three to five years of experience working with early childhood or elementary-aged students
- Knowledge of children's literature and early literacy development
- Experience teaching or supporting instruction for PK3 through Grade 5 learners
- Understanding of digital literacy, media literacy, and age-appropriate digital citizenship
- Strong collaboration, communication, and community-building skills
- Familiarity with AASL, ISTE, and Common Sense Education standards
- Background in educational technology, instructional design, or digital media integration
- Experience in collection development and library program management
- Experience coordinating family programming or author events
- Understanding of social-emotional learning approaches for early childhood and elementary students
What We Do
Miami Country Day School (MCDS) is an independent, coeducational, nonprofit PK–12 college-preparatory school in Miami Shores, serving roughly 1,300–1,400 students. MCDS focuses on educating the whole child through rigorous academics, arts, athletics, and community service, preparing students for college and life while promoting personalized learning, leadership opportunities, and a diverse, global-minded campus community.
