Teacher Librarian

Job description / Role

Job overview

The British International School Jeddah (BISJ) is a prestigious co-educational international school in Saudi Arabia, with a proud 48-year history of excellence. It offers a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, a rich co-curricular programme, and an impressive record of outstanding student outcomes, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing.

Join a school where students are supported to flourish and thrive. An environment where students are empowered as lifelong learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to excel. Innovative teaching within a robust British curriculum provides a stimulating environment for both educators and learners.

We are currently seeking a dynamic and qualified Teacher Librarian to manage and develop our school library into a central hub for learning and research.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive information literacy and research skills across the curriculum. The successful candidate will also play a vital role in enriching students’ lives beyond the classroom through world-class wellbeing and co-curricular programmes.

Key responsibilities:

The Teacher Librarian's role involves both instructional and administrative duties, including, but not limited to:

• Instructional partnership: Collaborate with teaching staff across departments to co-plan and co-teach lessons that integrate research skills, information literacy, and digital citizenship into the curriculum.
• Collection development: Manage the school's library resources, including the selection, acquisition, and cataloging of physical and digital materials to ensure the collection is relevant, up-to-date, and diverse.
• Promoting literacy: Champion a culture of reading and inquiry throughout the school by organising book clubs, author visits, reading challenges, and literary events.
• Student support: Guide students in using library resources effectively, conducting research, evaluating sources critically, and understanding academic honesty.
• Facility management: Maintain the library as an inviting, accessible, and inclusive learning space that supports independent study and collaborative work.
• Technology integration: Oversee the management of library databases, online resources, and the Library Management System.

Qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in education, library science, or a related field (required).
• A post-graduate qualification in library/information science or demonstrable experience in an international school library is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 2 years of teaching or instructional experience, ideally within an international or British curriculum context.
• Experience in managing a library budget and supervising support staff is highly desirable.
• Strong command of the English language, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A proven commitment to professional growth, working collaboratively and supporting student success.
• A strong set of values that align with our BISJ vision and mission.

Preferred attributes:

• Passionate about holistic learning and committed to inspiring students through innovative and engaging teaching.
• A collaborative team player with a proactive, flexible approach and a strong work ethic.
• Committed to ongoing professional development and contributing to a supportive school culture.

Why join BISJ?

• To work in a leading international school, with a diverse and motivated staff and student body.
• The opportunity to thrive in a culturally rich and diverse international community that celebrates differences and cultivates respectful, empathetic global citizens.
• To grow as a professional through a world-class professional development programme with leading global experts supported by a generous CPD budget.
• Supportive and collegial staff environment with an excellent remuneration and benefits package.
• A chance to live and work in the vibrant and welcoming city of Jeddah, recently rated the second best city for quality of life in the Arab world.
• Be part of a prestigious British international school with over 48 years of excellence, combining strong British educational values with a broad international outlook.

If you are an enthusiastic educator and information specialist with a commitment to student success and enrichment, we would love to hear from you.

BISJ prioritises safer recruitment and child safeguarding, aligning with UK Keeping Children Safe in Education, the recommendations of The International Task Force On Child Protection, and other international standards. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo thorough background checks, including written and verbal references; qualification verification; identity and police checks, including overseas checks.

Application process

Applications should include the BISJ application form, a full CV, and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applicants must highlight and explain any gaps in employment, providing relevant details where applicable.

Applicants are required to provide three professional referees, including their most recent Head Teacher or Principal. References will be requested for shortlisted candidates prior to interview, in line with BISJ’s safer recruitment procedures.

The school reserves the right to make an earlier appointment should a suitable candidate be identified.

Data protection (PDPL)

In accordance with the Saudi Arabian Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), BISJ will process applicants’ personal information securely and confidentially, using it solely for recruitment purposes and only sharing it with authorised individuals involved in the selection process.