Anticipated Library Media Specialist (Long-Term Substitute) [Newman Elementary] (SY26-27)

This posting is for a long-term substitute position beginning November 10, 2026 and anticipated to end on January 18, 2027

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm T emporary Library Media Specialist to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate . This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here .

Teacher Responsibilities:

Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with classroom teachers as a partner in the instructional process to design, teach, and assess learning experiences that incorporate inquiry learning, information literacies and critical thinking

Collaborate to design, teach, and assess learning experiences that incorporate inquiry learning, information literacy, critical and creative thinking, copyright, citations, and intellectual property

Collaborate with building technology specialists to model effective and creative strategies for integrating library and technology skills in the curriculum across all content areas

Promote a love of reading and exhibit a strong knowledge of literature appropriate to the middle school level

Assist with the identification, location, and interpretation of information located in and outside of the library media center

Provide individual, group, and class instruction in use of reference tools, automated catalog, Dewey Decimal System and other library skills

Leader:

Design and deliver professional development for staff that aligns with building, department, and District goals

Participate as a member of the District Department of Media and Digital Learning to evaluate and integrate library/media resources and contribute to policies and procedures

Participate in school improvement and planning activities

Use data to benchmark the School Library Program (SLP) to school, state, and national standards

Stay current in professional practices and relevant educational research

Advocate for SLP through an effective public relations program

Collect and analyze data to improve instruction and to demonstrate correlations between the SLP and student achievement

Administer the SLP budget to support program goals

Maintain and update library website at school and contribute to district level website

School Librarian:

Follow established procedures and guidelines for selection, acquisition, circulation, and resource sharing of resources in all formats

Develop and maintain resources appropriate to the curriculum, the learners, and instructional strategies of the school community

Foster a creative, welcoming, flexible environment so that the School Library is an essential part of the learning community

Cooperate and network with other libraries/agencies

Evaluate, promote and use existing and emerging technologies to support teaching and learning

Promote the ethical use of information: copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property

Maintain comprehensive and accurate library records including the automated catalog and circulation system

Organize and manage the Middle School collection of print and electronic resources to promote teacher and student learning

Reports to: Director of Media and Digital Learning

Qualifications:

MLS, Library and Information Science

Classroom teaching preferred

Skilled in use of technology applications and ability to use web tools

DESE license as a library teacher

Application and Selection Procedure:

Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation, license, and transcripts have been attached to your online application.

Compensation:

Compensation for substitutes is based on the duration of the coverage: $24.42/hr - $ 27.25/hr

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website .