Library Media Specialist State School Teacher (12 Months) (35 Hour) #260812-8039T4-001

About the role

The State of Connecticut, Department of Correction (DOC), Unified School District #1 (USD#1) is seeking enthusiastic Library Media Specialists to transform the lives of our incarcerated population. We are seeking to fill openings at Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers, CT, but may also use this posting to fill positions at facilities across the state.

Incumbents in this class must meet the State Board of Education requirements to receive an initial educator certificate for External Diploma Program/Noncredited Mandated Programs (107). Secondary certified candidates will also need to meet the requirements to receive an initial educator certificate for High School Credit Diploma Program (106). Selected candidates will have six months from their hire date to obtain the applicable endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Prioritizing safety and security as it pertains to staff, victims, citizens, and offenders
• Developing educational plans for individuals and groups
• Setting short and long term goals and evaluating student progress
• Participating in planning team meetings and case review conferences to assess student behavior
• Relating to professionals in ancillary educational roles
• Maintaining student records and writing reports
• Modeling positive teaching practices
• Serving as the instructional hub of a school, connecting students and educators to resources, technology, and research skills
• Assisting in ensuring that students develop strong information literacy, digital competency, and a lifelong love of learning
• Collaborating with teachers to co-teach lessons on research skills, information literacy, and digital citizenship
• Guiding students in evaluating sources, conducting research, and using library tools effectively, fostering independent learning and critical thinking
• Overseeing the selection, acquisition, cataloging, and circulation of print and digital materials, including books, databases, and multimedia resources
• Maintaining a diverse and current collection to support curriculum needs and student interests
• Assisting the facility population with library needs

Requirements

• Active Initial, Provisional, or Professional endorsement as a Library Media Specialist in Connecticut (DSAP Certifications or other short/long term permits are not accepted)
• Must meet State Board of Education requirements for External Diploma Program/Noncredited Mandated Programs (107) endorsement
• Secondary certified candidates must also meet requirements for High School Credit Diploma Program (106) endorsement
• Selected candidates must obtain applicable endorsement within six months of hire

Qualifications

• Understanding of different learning styles and ability to teach to student ability levels
• Ability to work with a variety of disciplines throughout the day
• Working knowledge of classroom routines and disciplines
• Outstanding personal and interpersonal skills
• Ability to follow class schedule as provided by school administration with understanding that it may change unexpectedly

Benefits

• Option to maintain State of Connecticut Teacher Retirement Plan or enroll in the State Employee Retirement System
• Variety of medical and dental plans
• Participation in a hybrid retirement plan providing retirement benefit, which may include retiree health insurance
• Sick and personal leave
• Five weeks of scheduled vacation time
• Annual $1,000.00 lump sum payment
• Tuition reimbursement
• State of CT is an eligible Public Services Loan Forgiveness employer—may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service

Schedule

• First-shift, full time (35 hours per week), Monday through Friday
• Unified School District (USD) #1 follows a 12-month school calendar, 222 school days per year

Pay

Candidates new to the State of Connecticut will start on 'Step one' of the pay plan, in the tier corresponding to their highest level of education. Starting salary is non-negotiable.

• Bachelor's Degree: Step 1 $72,275 – Step 13-15 $111,912
• Master's Degree: Step 1 $75,900 – Step 13-15 $131,422
• 6th Year: Step 1 $81,208 – Step 13-15 $140,620