Overview

Gordon is a racially and socio-economically diverse Nursery through eighth grade independent school with an enrollment of 345 students, renowned nationally for a multicultural curriculum and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. 

Our curriculum focuses on developing intellectual leadership by leveraging a child’s natural imagination, creativity, and inquisitive nature. Students are challenged and inspired to be active participants in their own education, and faculty and staff strive to develop deep and meaningful relationships with each child and family.

The opportunity

Gordon School is seeking its next Director of the Joukowsky Family Library. The library at Gordon School is often referred to as the “heart” of the school, not only for its central location in the building, but also for its decades-long commitment to instilling a love of reading in students and nurturing curiosity-driven research; just as importantly, the library offers students ages three through fourteen windows and mirrors into stories that help them to shape a positive sense of self and sense of connection to others.

The Director of the Joukowsky Family Library will play a central role in collaborating with families, teachers, and young readers. The librarian manages all library operations, ensuring the collection and programming align with the school's mission. They will cultivate a love of reading and inquiry in students, while also integrating progressive, antiracist, and social justice pedagogy into the curriculum. This role involves collaboration with faculty to support classroom learning and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive library environment. It also requires boundless curiosity and a sense of humor! This role reports to the Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning. Please click here for a complete job description and application instructions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science (MLS), Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a related field
• Experience working as a librarian, preferably in a school setting with elementary and middle school-aged children
• A sense of humor, strong relational skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of progressive education, antiracism, and social justice concepts
• Familiarity with Accessit Library Database is preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty and staff, and parents
• Proficiency with library management software and digital resources

About The Gordon School

Mission Statement The Gordon School is a racially diverse nursery through eighth grade coeducational independent school in East Providence, Rhode Island. Child by child, the Gordon School community cultivates successful students by inspiring joyful learning, encouraging intellectual leadership, fostering an empathic spirit and stimulating a drive for positive societal impact. Guiding Principles We emphatically believe that each of the following five principles is essential for the success of our mission: •Our curriculum is rooted in multicultural practice, which develops academic skills, thinking strategies, active imaginations and children’s social competencies •We teach students to investigate and study concepts and topics from multiple perspectives, a basic skill for success in school and in life •Students are challenged and inspired to be active workers toward their education •As articulated in the Gordon School Statement on Inclusivity, we create and sustain a diverse community of faculty, staff, students and families •As multicultural educators, our teachers strive to establish relationships of understanding and trust with each child and his or her family

Connections working at The Gordon School