Media Specialist

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits.  We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. 

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. 

The purpose of this job is to collaborate with teaching staff in the development of student literacy through the administration of the library media program.  Provides specialized instruction to students and teaching staff, and oversees the selection, organization, utilization, maintenance of library, information, and curriculum resources.  

• Maintains appropriate licensure and acknowledges that continued employment with the Hamilton County Department of Education is contingent upon providing required documentation to validate licensure in a timely manner.
• Provides leadership to establish a climate within the library/media center which stimulates efforts to achieve educational objectives and to utilize the resources of the media center.
• Develops learning activities and experiences which support district and state standards and reflect the school’s mission and goals.  Library/media center specialists may be required to teach self-contained classes.
• Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards, and interest center.  
• Assists teachers in the improvement of instruction through the recommendation of various media.
• Plans and implements media program procedures as they pertain to staff, students, and the community.
• Provides resources appropriate to varying abilities and needs, as well as a rich assortment of materials that reflect the local community and other cultures.
• Utilizes sound practices of fiscal planning and management and ensures prudent use of financial resources in implementing the library/media program. Adheres to Board policies and district procedures.
• Maintains accurate and current records and submits required reports promptly.
• Organizes library/media center operations to achieve effective use of time and resources. 
• Assists students and staff in the selection and utilization of media center materials. 
• Uses and manages technology to enhance student and staff learning.
• Maintains a comprehensive and efficient system for cataloging and classifying all media center resources.
• Assists in the development of independent work skills and the utilization of library/media center resources.
• Plans and conducts an inventory of library/media center resources, removing obsolete and worn materials as needed. 
• Evaluates, selects, and requisitions new materials for the library/media center in accordance with Board policies and district procedures.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior within the library/media center.
• Engages in professional development and seeks opportunities to grow professionally.  
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law. 
• Performs related duties, such as sponsoring a student organization or activity.  Attends and/or supervises school sponsored events as required.
• Complies with accounting and financial policies and procedures involving the handling of money and property, as well as other Board policies.
• Use computers and other technology to enter and access information related to essential job functions.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
• May operate a motor vehicle to conduct various work activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree preferred; current valid Tennessee license required. If you hold a license in another state, you must apply for a Tennessee license. 
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members.  
• Demonstrates excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see https://www.hcde.org/staff/human_resources/differentiated_compensation for more details.