Library Media Specialist

About the School

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools serving students in communities that have historically had fewer educational opportunities. The organization’s mission is to help students build the academic foundation, confidence, and character needed for success in college, career, and life.

Since opening in 2007 with KIPP Endeavor Academy and about 31 fifth-grade students, the network has grown to serve roughly 1,000 students from Pre-K through grade 12. In partnership with families and the community, the schools aim to create joyful, high-performing learning environments that prepare students to choose their own path and contribute to a more just world.

Role Summary

The Library Media Specialist will play a key role on the KIPP KC team by supporting student learning, literacy, and school culture through a strong library and media program. This position focuses on delivering engaging student experiences, helping learners access information and reading materials, collaborating with teachers, and strengthening academic and cultural support across the school. The role is rooted in educational equity and in building trusted relationships so students and families feel safe, valued, and included.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with classroom teachers to connect library resources and literacy skills to lessons and curriculum goals.
• Choose and add library materials that reflect the curriculum, student interests, and the varied needs of the school community.
• Teach students how to locate, judge, and use information from print and digital sources, while reinforcing digital citizenship and copyright awareness.
• Plan and promote reading initiatives, author events, book fairs, and similar activities that build a strong reading culture.
• Bring technology and digital tools into library instruction and services, supporting students and staff with educational software, databases, and digital storytelling tools.
• Oversee the library’s physical and digital collections, including cataloging, shelving, weeding, circulation, inventory, and item processing.
• Recommend purchases that meet user needs and help the collection reflect the student population and wider community.
• Partner with educators, administrators, and community members to advance literacy programs and stay current with library science best practices.
• Promote the value of the library media program as a driver of academic growth, literacy development, and lifelong learning.
• Review library services and programs using data and feedback, then use the findings to improve resources and programming.
• Build a welcoming, inclusive library space that celebrates diversity and offers materials and programming aligned to students’ cultural backgrounds and interests.
• Create and upkeep displays, themed promotions, bulletin boards, signage, the free library, and the donation of withdrawn books.
• Perform additional duties assigned by school leadership, including tasks such as carpool, study hall, and lunch supervision.
• Provide small-group and one-on-one instruction for K-8 students to help them choose books, build reading habits, and strengthen literacy and reading analysis skills.
• Co-plan library literacy lessons with teachers and co-teach those lessons during library time.
• Share literacy best practices with teachers and contribute to professional development conversations.
• Serve as a resource for schoolwide literacy efforts, including book fairs and national literacy observance activities.
• Plan library programs that respond to identified student and school needs.
• Help prepare for and run the Scholastic Book Fair.
• Manage acquisition, processing, organization, distribution, maintenance, and inventory of library resources.
• Encourage parent and community involvement through effective outreach and engagement strategies.
• Apply student discipline in line with the KIPP Kansas City code of conduct and school policies.
• Foster positive student attitudes toward the library and its programs.
• Maintain constructive relationships with teammates, teachers, supervisors, students, and families.
• Communicate with stakeholders in line with KIPP Kansas City Public Schools policies.
• Design and implement a district-wide real-world learning pathway covering career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training aligned to Missouri workforce priorities.
• Work with staff and partners to ensure students can access real-world learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, entrepreneurship and innovation experiences, site visits, and job shadowing.
• Put quality checks in place so all real-world learning experiences are standards-aligned, student-centered, and outcome-driven.
• Oversee systems for student placement, experience approval, documentation, and evaluation across schools.
• Coordinate logistics across functions, including scheduling, transportation, risk management, and partner communication.
• Track participation and outcomes to support fair access across student groups and campuses.
• Create tools, frameworks, and training materials that support consistent program delivery.
• Manage student experiences and events funded through grants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Valid Missouri teaching license with the required certification for the assigned subject and grade level.
• Candidates who are still working toward certification may be considered, provided all required credentials are completed and on file by the end of the first year of employment.
• Strong commitment to results and collaboration.
• Clear dedication to educational equity and to serving underserved communities.
• Solid knowledge of the assigned subject area.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Skills and Competencies

• Alignment with KIPP KC’s mission and values.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a diverse workplace.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skill in creating an inclusive setting for students, staff, and families.
• Strong teamwork and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to build trusting relationships within the school community.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements: The role requires the ability to move around inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. The employee must also be able to attend conferences, meetings, and training sessions both online and in person within the region.

Work Environment: This is a Monday through Friday role in a typical school or office setting with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements: The employee must be able to travel to the work location.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay is determined by years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise. As a full-time employee, the selected candidate will be eligible for the organization’s benefit plans, which include medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life insurance, fertility support, and disability plans. The organization also offers ongoing professional development, leadership training, and advancement opportunities.

Equal Opportunity

KIPP Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process

The standard hiring process includes application submission and resume review, a phone or video interview, a sample work or performance task if applicable, committee interview(s), a one-on-one conversation with the hiring manager, reference checks, and offer terms.