Middle & High School Teacher Librarian (August 2027)

Position:
Middle & High School Teacher Librarian (to begin August 2027)
Reports to:
Director of Learning
To apply for this position, please go to https://www.canacad.ac.jp/discovering/employment
About Canadian Academy:
Canadian Academy is a not-for-profit, secular, gender-inclusive international school located in Kobe, Japan’s seventh largest city. CA is accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), is an authorized three-programme International Baccalaureate World School, and is a member of TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools). While most of the 690 students at CA are day students, our campus is also home to a small High School boarding program with a current enrollment of 40 students in Grades 9-12.
Canadian Academy faculty and staff inspire minds and nurture compassion by providing a rich and engaging programme that develops students’ skills, promotes curiosity and love of learning, and prioritizes well-being. All students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10, and most students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 & 12, although 10-20% each year opt for a more personalized pathway to graduation that includes a mix of DP and other courses and leads to a CA Diploma.
Position Overview
Canadian Academy seeks a dynamic, student-centered educator to serve as a Middle and High School Teacher Librarian. This role will also include a teaching assignment (2-3 sections), aligned with the successful candidate’s experience and interests, and with school needs. For the right candidate, EE Coordination may make up part of the assignment.
This position combines instructional leadership in research, literacy, and information fluency with stewardship of a vibrant, student-centered library and learning space. The Teacher Librarian plays a key role in supporting inquiry, fostering a culture of reading, and partnering with faculty to design rich, authentic learning experiences across the curriculum. The Middle and High School Teacher Librarian works very closely with the Elementary School Teacher Librarian, collaborating on programs and expectations in a shared space.
Key Responsibilities
Teacher Librarian
Instructional Leadership & Collaboration
Partner with teachers across Middle and High School to design and co-teach inquiry-based units that integrate research, media literacy, and critical thinking
Support the development of students’ information literacy skills, including research, source evaluation, academic integrity, and ethical use of information
Collaborate with IB coordinators and faculty to support major research and writing milestones (e.g., Personal Project, Extended Essay, and other inquiry-based assessments)
Program Development
Lead the ongoing development of a cohesive library program aligned with CA’s Definition of High-Quality Learning and IB frameworks
Curate and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and engaging library collection that reflects student interests and global perspectives
Promote reading for pleasure, intellectual curiosity, and a culture of inquiry across the school
Student Support
Provide direct support to students in research, writing, and project-based learning
Create an inclusive, welcoming library environment that fosters belonging and engagement
Library Operations, Facilities, and Resources
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Middle and High School library as a dynamic, flexible learning space
Co-manage a shared library budget, including planning, prioritization, and procurement of physical and digital resources
Curate and maintain collections (print and digital), ensuring relevance, diversity, and alignment with curricular needs
Oversee library systems, including cataloging, circulation, and digital resource platforms
Ensure that library facilities are well-organized, accessible, and responsive to student and teacher use, including flexible configurations for classes, independent study, and collaborative work
Work with operations and IT teams to support the ongoing development and effective use of the library as a central hub for learning
Classroom Teaching
Teach 2-3 sections (MYP or DP) in an area aligned with the candidate’s expertise and interest, and with school needs
Design and deliver engaging, student-centered learning experiences aligned with CA’s teaching and learning principles
Use assessment to support student growth and provide timely, meaningful feedback
Contribute to curriculum development and collaboration within the relevant subject area
All Canadian Academy teachers are expected to:
Develop a classroom environment that builds positive relationships and fosters an ethic of care
Design, prepare and deliver learning activities that facilitate authentic engagement
Identify and select instructional resources and methods to meet students' varying needs
Use relevant technology to enhance instruction and learning
Design and implement a range of authentic formative and summative assessments, providing appropriate and timely feedback to students
Maintain accurate and complete records of students' progress for the purposes of teaching, learning and reporting
Enthusiastically contribute to co-curricular programming (as a club supervisor, coach, etc.) and outdoor education experiences
Participate in faculty and parent meetings and special events
Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues and parents
Attend professional development workshops as required by the school
Endorse the school’s guiding statements
Required Qualifications:
MLS/MLIS degree or similar equivalent qualification and experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience as a school librarian or in a similar role in a middle and/or high school setting
Must be eligible to obtain a visa to work in Japan
Must have a teaching certification and/or relevant academic qualification
Preferred Experience and Qualities (in no particular order):
5+ years of relevant teaching and librarianship experience
Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes
Demonstrated ability to support the diverse learning needs of students in a class and to collaborate effectively with Learning Support and EAL specialists
Demonstrated enthusiasm for connecting with students beyond

Employment type
FT Faculty Distance

Work arrangement
No