Spanish Immersion Librarian - 1.0 FTE at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary

Job Description

We want YOU here!

This posting is for the 2026-2027 school year.

Join the team at Sonia Sotomayor Elementary, where language and culture come together to create a dynamic learning experience! As part of the Sioux Falls School District's Spanish Immersion Program, we provide students with the opportunity to learn through a rich, immersive Spanish-language curriculum. With a diverse staff representing 18 countries, we celebrate global perspectives and cultural connections every day. If you're passionate about education and language learning, we'd love to have you on our team!

Learn more about Sonia Sotomayor Elementary at: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/ssspes

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION LEVEL:

Bachelor's degree required. Certification: Current, valid South Dakota teacher certificate with library endorsement.

EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

Successful student teaching or classroom teaching experience preferred. Experience in a school library/media program strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Constant hand-eye, mind-eye coordination, hearing, and visual acuity; intermittent speaking, standing, walking and writing. Frequent lifting and carrying, keyboarding and other repetitive motions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Effective human relations, collaboration, leadership, and conflict management skills. Knowledge of instructional strategies that support diverse learners and align with district curriculum and standards. Ability to integrate information literacy, media literacy, digital citizenship, and technology tools into instruction. Proficiency with library management systems, databases, digital resources, and instructional technology. Working knowledge of data networks, online research tools, and emerging technologies. Familiarity with multimedia creation, and presentation tools preferred. Sufficient Spanish language proficiency and understanding of Spanish immersion programming is preferred to support: 1) Development and maintenance of a bilingual library collection that advances biliteracy (including a significant proportion of Spanish-language texts, delivery of library lessons and/or reading aloud in Spanish, when appropriate to the task). 2) Instruction aligned to the program's language allocation plan, including teaching content designated for English instruction; and 3) 3) Supporting students in using both Spanish and English to make connections across languages and strengthen their language skills.

CERTIFICATION

This position requires a valid South Dakota teaching certification with the Elementary School Library endorsement.

Please note, endorsement requirements may vary based on specific course assignments.

Questions about SD teaching certification:South Dakota Department of Education

YOUTH SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION TRAINING

South Dakota Codified Law 13-42-71 requires certified educators to complete at least one hour of approved youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. Compliance is verified through district accreditation reviews. You will be required to provide your most recent certificate of completion prior to starting employment with the Sioux Falls School District.

Visit https://doe.sd.gov/suicideprevention/ to view the list of approved trainings and detailed instructions for completion. These trainings listed are the only accepted trainings per SDCL 13-42-71. Please carefully review the options before selecting a training as unapproved trainings will require you to retake an approved course.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

Administrative

1. Curates and promotes a diverse, high-quality collection of Spanish and English texts to support content learning, language development, and biliteracy across the immersion program.
2. Plans, develops, and implements procedures and practices for effective operation of the library media program aligned with district philosophy and school goals.
3. Establishes short and long range goals for continuous improvement of library services, collections, and instructional support.
4. Selects, evaluates, acquires, organizes, and maintains print and digital resources in accordance with district selection and reconsideration policies.
5. Prepares, manages, and monitors the library budget in cooperation with the building staff and principal.
6. Provides professional learning and ongoing support to staff in the effective use of library resources, instructional technology, and information systems.
7. Serves as a building level point of contact for library systems, digital resources, and media related technology, collaborating with district support services as needed.
8. Operates and maintains automated library systems, networked resources, and media equipment.

Instructional

1. Collaborates with teachers to support district curriculum, instructional goals, and assessment practices.
2. Prepares lesson plans which correlate with specific instructional objectives. Specifically, but not limited to: Works with classroom teachers, building, and program administrators to identify, plan for, and teach content specific to the language of English in order to support the program's language allocation plan (e.g. NAC lessons for K-2 students). Works with classroom teachers, building, and program administrators to plan and teach instruction that supports students in making connections across languages and developing awareness of how languages work.
3. Provides direct instruction and instructional support for students in research processes, ethical use of information, and effective communication of learning.
4. Supports differentiated and enriched learning experiences to challenge and engage all students.
5. Helps students to develop habits of independent library use.
6. Motivates and guides students in the development of reading, viewing and listening skills, attitudes and appreciation in both English and Spanish.
7. Participates in curriculum development and instructional planning meetings at the building and district levels.
8. Contributes to the development of library media practices that support Spanish immersion programming across schools.
9. Serves as a resource and collaborator for library media staff across the district with Spanish immersion programming, particularly in the areas of Spanish-language text curation, collection development and instructional planning to support immersion and biliteracy goals.

Student Engagement and Learning Environment

1. Fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful learning environment that supports student engagement and independence.
2. Encourages reading for learning and pleasure and promotes lifelong learning habits.
3. Establishes clear expectations and uses positive strategies to support appropriate student behavior.
4. Builds positive relationships with students and staff while maintaining high expectations and professional boundaries.

Professional Responsibilities

1. Engages in continuous professional learning aligned with district priorities and emerging best practices.
2. Participates in professional organizations and collaborative networks related to education and library media services.
3. Attends and contributes to faculty meetings, professional development, and school activities.
4. Demonstrates professionalism, ethical practice, and respect for individual and cultural diversity.
5. Serves as a positive role model for students and colleagues.

Evaluation

1. Provides the leadership for the assessment and implementation of the goals, functions and priorities of the library media
2. program.
3. Develops and implements a continuous evaluation plan to identify strengths and weaknesses of the library media program.

Management and Compliance

1. Organizes and maintains library spaces, collections, and procedures to ensure efficient access and use.
2. Supervises students and supports a safe, orderly learning environment.
3. Complies with district policies, procedures, and legal requirements.

Other Duties

1. Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor.

PAY INFORMATION

Starting at $52,821 to $59,485 per year, based on experience.

These salaries are based on the 2025-2026 salary schedule. 2026-2027 salary schedule coming soon!

View the complete salary schedule here: 2025-2026 Teacher Salary Schedule

Pay Day: Last working day of each month.

HOURS & FTE

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm with a 30-minute duty free lunch

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months

CALENDAR
2026-2027 New SFEA Staff Calendar

BENEFIT INFORMATION
Benefits (only for positions 20 hours per week or more)

CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required
Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number

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