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Research/Information Specialist

Dwight-Englewood School
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The Dwight-Englewood Lower School is seeking a Lower School Research/Information Specialist who possesses a love of working with children from grades Preschool 3 through 5. This position represents learning, curiosity, critical thinking, an appreciation of the past, an understanding of the present and a vision for the future.
 
The Research/Information Specialist is responsible for developing programming and curricula that enhances students’ appreciation of the written word in the context of the 21st Century. Not only will the Research/Information Specialist help to foster a love of reading, but s/he will also help students to become effective and critical information consumers and researchers. S/he will also help students to become responsible creators of information and good digital citizens. The Research/Information Specialist will provide expertise in the areas of literature, information literacy, design-thinking, social media and their application to the growth of students’ research and information use skills.
 
This new colleague will expertly select and effectively use tools such as: traditional books and library resources, electronic and paper research tools as well as social media and other relevant tools. S/he will work closely with classroom teachers of each grade level to ensure that the curriculum aligns with the grade-level curriculum in a way that gives context to the skills and content being taught.

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining an inspiring, welcoming and creative environment, working in close collaboration with the Lower School STEAM Leader to support work in the division and in the Lower School Innovation Incubator. The Research/Information Specialist will co-staff the Lower School’s Innovation Incubator with the STEAM Leader to provide a rich offering of activities intended to spark children’s imaginations and empower them as critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
 
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Support and model the spirit of the Mission and Foundation Documents of the Dwight-Englewood School in work with students, teachers, families, and administrators. Please refer to the Dwight-Englewood website to access these documents.              
  • Promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading, and literature in a variety of formats
  • Provide resources that will meet the informational, research, educational, and recreational needs of users.
  • Organize, circulate, and maintain resources.
  • Teach classes ranging from Preschool 3 through Grade 5 that highlight fiction and non-fiction materials.
  • Coordinate information retrieval for students and staff through print, audiovisual, and electronic sources.
  • Consult with students and staff regarding their needs and interests in relation to the selection and utilization of materials and equipment.
  • Plan with teachers as cooperative partners to integrate literature and information skills into the curriculum.
  • Collaborate with the STEAM Leader to design a curriculum focused on student innovation and problem solving.
  • Collaborate with STEAM Leader in program design and equipment/material selection for Innovation Incubator.
  • Serve as a resource for collaboration with colleagues.
  • Continue to grow as a professional through professional development opportunities.
  • Organize student, teacher and parent workshops and maintain an open schedule for drop-in activities.
The Lower School Research/Information Specialist will be able to:
  • Teach information literacy using emerging technologies in an ever-evolving environment.
  • Maintain the print and digital collection.
  • Evaluate and acquire cutting-edge information resources and instructional technology.
  • Continue the development of the Lower School literary magazine: DE-SCRIBE.
  • Collaborate with US / MS Librarians and Technology Integrator to ensure alignment of curriculum.
  • Conduct divisional supervisory duties and participate in the full faculty life of the Lower School.
  • Attend department, divisional and school-wide faculty meetings.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
  • Demonstrate the ability listen to others and remain receptive to new ideas.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively using both written and oral skills.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and equity work with young children.
  • Utilize effective time management, organizational skills, and prioritization of work to meet the needs of users.
  • Design and deliver technology-enhanced instruction with students and faculty.
  • Must possess good classroom and material management skills.
  • Must be able to work creatively and collaboratively with colleagues.
 
Qualifications:
  • Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor's degree and have relevant teaching experience. (Masters of Library and Information Science or Comparable Advanced Degree preferred).
  • Candidate should have knowledge of national and state standards for information and technology literacy including, but not limited to, the AASL (American Association for School Librarians).