Mason City Schools - Dream Center Specialist

The Dream Center Specialist serves as the day-to-day manager of the Dream Center in their respective building, assisting staff with daily operations and programming. They ensure the Dream Center is used frequently and used well by the respective school community. The Specialist will be expected to create a warm and inclusive environment where each student and staff member feels welcomed to explore. This role is a key advocate for creativity, innovation, and cross-disciplinary literacy. Responsibilities include managing the school library, makerspace, and other shared spaces, equipment, and experiences that are housed in the Dream Center. The Specialist is responsible for managing resource circulation, maintaining inventory, and coordinating volunteer activities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should be organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about promoting a love of creativity, learning, and multiple literacies among students. They must be flexible, friendly, and creative; willing to adapt to changing times in service of the vision and direction of the district.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Support:

• Help design and facilitate Dream Center programs, such as reading clubs, printing support, makerspace activities, book bus, Dream Carts, literacy promotion events, and others. Programs may vary by building.
• Assist in the management and maintenance of shared Dream Center spaces.
• Assist with Dream Center partner programming (ie. - Cosmic Cafe, Experiential Learning, Peer Tutoring, Dream Carts, etc.)
• Assist in preparing materials and displays for special events and class activities.
• Create book displays, bulletin boards, and window displays throughout the year.
• Provide support for teachers visiting the Dream Center, including technology setup.
• Other duties as assigned.

Student Support:

• Assist students in finding and using Dream Center resources, including print, digital, and multimedia materials.
• Serve as a contact for supporting students in accessing personal learning devices and troubleshoot basic technical issues.
• Supervise activities within the Dream Center and related spaces, ensuring a safe and productive environment.

Dream Center Operations and Management

• Assist with the care and maintenance of Dream Center equipment.
• Help manage inventory of materials in shared spaces.
• Assist students and teachers with accessing Dream Center technology and resources consistent with policies and procedures.
• Assist with the circulation of library materials including checking out and returning books, shelving, and maintaining an organized collection.
• Manage library databases and inventory systems to ensure accurate records of materials.
• Aid in the curating, ordering, cataloging, and processing of grade-level appropriate materials.
• Run overdue reports and process overdue notices.

Volunteers and/or Student Aides Management:

• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and/or student aides as available, ensuring they are familiar with Dream Center procedures and tasks.
• Assign duties to volunteers and/or student aides that match their skills and the Dream Center's needs, such as library work, assisting with events, or maintaining resources.
• Monitor volunteers and/or student aide performance and provide feedback to ensure a positive and effective experience.

Administrative Support:

• Perform basic clerical tasks, including data entry, managing holds and overdue notices, and assisting with communications.
• Where applicable, manage the Site Manager shift calendar.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting Dream Center space.

Helpful Mindsets & Dispositions:

• Adaptable & Proactive Problem-Solver: Possesses an innovative and growth mindset, positively embracing opportunities to learn new skills and adapt to changes in technology or student needs. This individual is proactive, anticipating the needs of the community and finding creative solutions to challenges with resourcefulness and positivity.
• Student-Centered & Supportive: Demonstrates empathy, patience, and a warm, welcoming attitude towards students and staff. This individual must foster a love for learning, encourage curiosity, and create an inclusive environment where all users feel comfortable exploring new resources and ideas.
• Collaborative & Detail-Oriented: Works effectively with staff and teachers, valuing collaboration and sharing best practices to enhance the Dream Center's role. They must also be highly organized, taking pride in maintaining an orderly space, ensuring accurate records, and demonstrating thoroughness in all operational tasks.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and reach, bend, and stoop to shelve books.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.

Interested individuals must complete an application in the AppliTrack system, please upload a resume as well.

Each applicant's resume and qualifications will be evaluated, those deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in interviews.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER