Salmo Elementary School is seeking a 0.2 FTE (term) Teacher Librarian, preferably scheduled as one mid-week day or two half days per week. The schedule will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate and the principal to best meet the needs of the school.
For further information, please contact Roman Wyllie, Principal, at [email protected].
Position Summary
The Teacher Librarian plays a vital role in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused learning environment. As a specialist in literacy development, information technologies, and curriculum integration, the Teacher Librarian leads and manages the Library Learning Commons (LLC) while supporting the academic, social, and personal growth of all students. Through collaboration with teachers, school teams, and district staff, the Teacher Librarian promotes inquiry-based learning, digital and information literacy, and a lifelong love of learning. This position requires a flexible and collaborative professional who can effectively balance instructional support, literacy leadership, and the ongoing management and development of the library learning commons.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with teachers to improve student outcomes. They will actively contribute to the school’s culture of belonging by integrating principles of the Circle of Courage—Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity—through learning opportunities, programming, and the design of welcoming and inclusive environments.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Collaboration
- Promote the Teacher Librarian and LLC as essential to student learning and success.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to co-plan, co-teach, and support instruction that strengthens student learning and literacy development.
- Lead and coordinate school literacy initiatives, programs, and events while supporting staff in the implementation of effective literacy practices.
- Supervise students in support blocks and other learning opportunities in the library.
- Build collaborative relationships with students, staff, families, and the wider educational community.
- Serve as a resource specialist for staff by identifying, curating, and recommending print, digital, and community resources that support curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.
Instruction, Literacy, and Inquiry
- Teach information literacy, media literacy, digital citizenship, and research skills that enable students to locate, evaluate, analyze, and apply information ethically and effectively.
- Design and implement instructional programs that encourage inquiry, independent research, and critical thinking.
- Promote reading, information acquisition, and literacy across all grade levels and subject areas.
Library Learning Commons (LLC)
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the library, including resource circulation and student use.
- Develop and maintain a diverse, current, and culturally responsive collection aligned with curricular goals, student interests, and an inclusive learning environment.
- Promote high-quality children’s and young adult literature and support literacy development through reading engagement initiatives and programs.
- Create and maintain a welcoming, organized, and aesthetically engaging Library Learning Commons that encourages reading, curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
- Support learning opportunities that reflect the principles of the Circle of Courage and encourage students to develop confidence, independence, and meaningful connections with others.
- Provide leadership in the use of emerging information technologies, including ethical use of AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot).
- Promote academic integrity, ethical information use, plagiarism awareness, and responsible digital practices.
Equity and Accessibility
- Ensure equitable access to resources and services for all learners, including students with accessibility needs, diverse abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
- Select and promote inclusive materials that reflect a wide range of voices, cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
- Create learning environments that accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
- Provide leadership in accessible resource acquisition and remediation to support accessible learning materials.
Professional Learning
- Stay current with best practices in literacy instruction, library learning commons practice, instructional design, educational technology, and inquiry-based learning.
- Lead or participate in professional learning communities and support colleagues in resource selection, copyright, digital learning tools, and effective instructional practices.
- Provide professional learning opportunities for staff in literacy, information literacy, digital literacy, educational technology, AI tools, and resource-based learning.
Qualifications
Minimum Required
- Bachelor of Education Degree (or equivalent) with a concentration in a field related to literacy, educational technology, media in education, inclusive education, or similar
- Valid B.C. Teaching Certificate.
- Completion of 5 senior-level (300-level or higher) Teacher-Librarian courses.
- A minimum of five years of satisfactory classroom teaching experience.
Preferred
- Diploma or master’s degree in Teacher-Librarianship, Library Studies, Literacy, or a related field.
- Experience managing school libraries or Library Learning Commons, including budget and resource planning.
- Demonstrated experience leading school-based literacy initiatives and facilitating professional learning with teaching staff.
Professional Competencies
- Strong understanding of literacy instruction, reading development, information and digital literacy, inquiry-based learning, and equitable access to learning.
- Demonstrated ability to design engaging, inclusive, and effective learning experiences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of children’s and young adult literature and reading engagement practices that support diverse learners.
- Proficiency with digital tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft tools, Google Classroom, Copilot, digital literacy and literacy intervention programs).
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain an engaging, welcoming, and well-organized Library Learning environment.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to a school culture of belonging and inclusive practice where all learners experience connection and success.
- Knowledge of copyright, site licensing, and privacy legislation (e.g., FIPPA/FOIPPA) as it applies to education.
SD8 serves families in a spectacular, biodiverse region that includes a portion of the West and East Kootenays in southeastern B.C. Its six families of schools are situated across 15,000 square kilometers of rivers, valleys, lakes, and three mountain ranges, connected by two main municipalities—the Town of Creston and the City of Nelson—with the villages of Slocan, Kaslo, Salmo and many smaller, rural communities dotted in between. Our district is a great place to live, to work, and for children to learn and thrive.
The School Board Office is located in Nelson, B.C. Our schools are dispersed geographically and range in size and composition:
- online learning and blended programs
- an extensive array of program options, including Aboriginal Education, Late French Immersion, Outdoor Programs, and a strong International Program.
Salary Range; $68,589 - $114,833 per year, in accordance with the current SD8–Kootenay Lake / KLTF Collective Agreement. Placement on the salary grid is based on qualifications and years of teaching experience as evaluated by the BC Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).
Job Description & Requirements
Applicants must be certified in British Columbia with a Professional Teaching Certificate, or be eligible for certification by the start date of the assignment. Only applications submitted on Make a Future will be considered. While the District encourages all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
School District 8 supports equity hiring for Indigenous applicants.
- If you are experiencing any technical issues with your application process to contact Make A Future's customer service line as HR cannot upload or assist with these types of issues. We also cannot accept documents via email such as cover letters/resumes/transcripts/teaching reports via email as they do need to be part of the employee's Make a Future profile.
