Teacher Librarian

Job Purpose: The British International School of Washington is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic Teacher Librarian to join our dynamic school community. As a vital member of our academic team, you will play a key role in promoting a love of reading, supporting students in their research, and maintaining an organized and welcoming library environment. The successful candidate will possess a passion for literature, strong organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and parents.

Reporting to: The Director of Student Support Services

Other Key Relationships: all staff

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS - SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Library Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running and development of the knowledge hub and any additional Primary and Secondary libraries.
• Curate and organise the school’s library collection, ensuring a diverse, inclusive, and up-to-date selection of resources in print and digital formats.
• Manage library systems, including cataloguing, circulation, inventory, and overdue materials.
• Create engaging and age-appropriate library environments that promote reading, inquiry, and creativity.

Teaching and Curriculum Support

• Deliver engaging library and information literacy lessons across Primary and Secondary, from story time and early literacy through to advanced research and referencing skills.
• Teach digital citizenship, media literacy, and responsible use of technology to students of different ages.
• Support extended essays, independent projects, and inquiry-based learning across the school.
• Collaborate with teachers to integrate library resources into curriculum planning and classroom learning.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a resource for students, staff, and parents, supporting research, resource selection, and book recommendations.
• Organise parent workshops, book fairs and community events to promote literacy and information skills at home.
• Build partnerships with local libraries, cultural organisations, and external providers.
• Develop and mentor student librarian teams to encourage responsibility and leadership.
• Be an active member of the academic team attending meetings, and performing other associated tasks such as undertaking playtime duties and leading afterschool activities.

Reading Culture & Literacy

• Promote reading for pleasure and academic success.
• Organise and promote author visits, storytelling sessions, reading challenges, and book clubs.
• Coordinate book fairs and other community events to foster a culture of reading across the school.
• Create vibrant book displays and reading promotions linked to curriculum themes, international events, and student interests.

Digital Resources & Innovation

• Manage digital resources such as e-books, online databases, and subscriptions.
• Provide training and support for staff and students in using digital tools effectively and safely.
• Collaborate with IT and teaching staff to promote innovative approaches to research, media, and information use.
• Explore opportunities to develop the library as a hub for innovation, including makerspace activities, coding clubs, and creative projects.

Compliance and Library Control

• Ensure compliance with library policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of library materials, including inventory and acquisitions.
• Implement and enforce library usage guidelines to create a conducive learning environment.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Recognised teaching qualification or librarian qualification.
• Experience managing a library, leading literacy/information programmes or comparable projects in a school context.
• Strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature.
• Ability to teach library, research, and digital literacy skills across a wide age range.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally with parents and stakeholders
• Commitment to inclusive practice and promoting diversity in library collections and programmes.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils. And the willingness to undertake appropriate child protection training when required.

Desirable

• Experience in both Primary and Secondary settings.
• Knowledge of international curricula (IB, IGCSE, or similar).
• Experience with digital learning platforms, e-resources, and library management systems.
• Interest in innovation (makerspaces, coding, media literacy).
• Evidence of leadership or whole-school project management.

PHILOSPOSY AND VALUES

We are ambitious for our students, our people and our school. We believe that:

• There is no limit to what every person can achieve.
• Creativity and challenge help us get better every day.

BISW Learner Qualities

At BISW, we work every day to inspire our schools, our students and our employees to be the best they can be, and we are ambitious for them all to achieve more than they thought possible in their personal, social and academic endeavours. Within BISW this aspiration is underpinned by a commitment to always act utilising the 12 BISW Learner Qualities which are the foundation of how we approach our work and roles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $68,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person