Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population - students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 21
Salary Range: $77,204 - $119,591

*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

The Specialist for School Library Media provides best-in-class leadership, professional learning, and technical assistance to local education agencies (LEA), and other key stakeholders for the implementation and use of information literacy skills. This position will also support the integration of school library media programs and initiatives with highly effective teaching and learning practices across all core content areas to accelerate student achievement. The Specialist for School Library Media engages in collaborative opportunities with LEAs and their school library media professionals to build capacity for the successful implementation of State and federal school library media standards.

The Specialist for School Library Media provides evidence-based professional learning and technical assistance for Maryland's school library media initiatives in alignment with prekindergarten through grade 12 State and national standards. This position will also support programs and initiatives to ensure the successful implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and the Maryland State Department of Education's multiyear Strategic Plan initiatives.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides best-in-class professional learning and technical assistance for Maryland's school library media initiatives by supporting the implementation of prekindergarten through grade 12 State and national standards.

• Communicates and instructs on the vision, mission, and short-and-long term plans related to scaling high-quality school library media practices in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and MSDE's multiyear Strategic Plan initiatives.
• Disseminates and publicizes the Maryland School Library Media Learning Standards for students and educators.
• Develops, maintains, and continuously refines MSDE's school library media resources.
• Provides technical assistance and professional learning to LEAs as they implement school library media programs and initiatives to accelerate student achievement.
• Engages in onsite school visits and meets with LEA staff to in collaborative meetings for communicating and instructing on best practices.
• Identifies, pursues, manages and monitors grant funding opportunities in collaboration with MSDE's Office of Grants Administration and Compliance.
• Researches and promotes emerging technologies, to improve engagement and student information literacy.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to integrate supporting Library Media Standards into Maryland College and Career Ready Standards and initiatives related to the integration of accessible media and information resources.
• Designs and provides professional development opportunities related to school library media standards.
• Develops and implements initiatives to demonstrate the connection of school library media programs to student achievement and to ensure the integration of information literacy skills and digital resources into all curricular areas.
• Collect and report timely and accurate data related to School Library Media practices, programs, and initiatives and applies best-in-class practices.
• Conducts research on current and evidence-based schools library media practices designed to accelerate student achievement and applies lessons learned to state programs and initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master's degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Library Media, Library Sciences, or a related field.

Experience: Four years of administrative or teaching (school-based or district-based) experience in, or affiliated with, an education program involving School Library Media, Library Science or a related field.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of teaching experience in a school-based library media program.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Knowledge of prekindergarten through 12 School Library Media programs and curriculum.
• Knowledge of national and Maryland School Library Media Standards for Learners, Librarians, and Libraries.
• Knowledge of trends, regulations, and policies affecting School Library media programs and information literacy skills.
• Skill in implementing, monitoring and evaluating, and providing high quality and service-level-based support and technical assistance for library media programs.
• Skill in supporting the integration of school library media programs and initiatives with highly effective teaching and learning practices across core content areas to accelerate student achievement.
• Skill collaborating with diverse communities and organizations for the purpose of implementing programs and strategies.
• Skill in developing and delivering research based and best-in-class professional development programs.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks and time sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply learning standards, policies and regulations.
• Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.