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more job related advice needed...
So remember those 8th graders I was frustrated with, that made me swear I wouldn't take anymore middle school positions? Well...they grew on me 
I did land up taking the month long medical leave for the teacher across the hall, and I'm now on day 8 (of 11) subbing as the 8th grade special ed teacher. I look forward to working there each day and seriously miss these kids when I'm not there. I will also have a 2.5 week job here in March for the 6th grade special ed teacher.
Last week a librarian in the district emailed me that another librarian gave my name as someone who has subbed for the library before. This librarian is going on mat leave after spring break through the end of the year. It's a K-5 building (not one of my preferred schools though), and you may remember I'm 2 classes in for working towards the library endorsement). So I met with the librarian and principal yesterday for 10 mins. They said they had to meet with additional candidates, but as the day went on yesterday I realized that I definitely wouldn't prefer this job (addl responsibilities outside of sub hours/no overtime pay for the time needed/long term subs don't get extra pay over day to day subs/ responsible for large sums of money during bookfair/etc). So I spent today hoping that someone else would get the position.
Principal called- position is mine if I want it. 
I managed to squeak out a request to think it over tonight and to let him know tomorrow. He he seemed stunned and/or maybe taken aback? But he said okay then hung up.
I want to cry because a part of me really doesn't want to accept. But
then I feel bad for wasting their time yesterday morning and saying no.
(plus it is constant money for the rest of the school year. But the 8th grade teachers have told me they'd rotate taking sick/personal days just to keep me working.) And I don't know how to professionally phrase my "no thanks".
H would probably deep down prefer I take the job. But he verbally said that I need to do what makes me happiest, and if not taking it would make me happier then to not take it. (But I would then not take as many library classes this summer/fall as a result- my plan was to slow down with the classes if I found a full time teaching position in the fall). The 8th grade teachers have said that they are 95% sure there will be an opening up there with them next year and that they would fight like hell for me to get it (it's just not official yet). There are no RIFs at this school for next year. When I sporadically go back to grades K-4 (to sub and to teach CCD) I want to pull my hair out and wish I was in the middle school.
Basically, both schools are in the same district which is the one I ultimately want to teach at. Though I want to work in the upper grades now instead. How do I professionally turn down this position?
Re: more job related advice needed...
Oh, that's a tough spot to be in!
First, as a fellow teacher who is thrilled with her move to middle school, I love that you are loving it!
Second, I have a question for you...do you hope to get a library position when you finish your degree or do you want to stay in the classroom?
If you want to get a library position, I would take the maternity leave even if you don't want to be in that school or grade level. The experience could help you.
If you would rather stay at the middle school level, I think I would turn it down. You could say something along the lines of, "As you know, I have been getting both short and long term positions at the middle school and I know there are additional jobs coming up. I have realized that I love this level and would like to finish the year there in hopes of getting a full time position at the middle school level."
It's not a perfect response, but it does get the point across that you are devoted to teaching and the students that you are working with.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your decision! Keep us posted on which you choose!
Yeah, I'm so happy to find that I love middle school. The middle school I taught in for 2009-2010 was not as awesome, and it turned me off of the age group til now (though it wasn't just because of the kids- the administration was disorganized and the staff wasn't as friendly as this team is).
I pretty much decided to start the endorsement because last school year was my first year subbing and the year went pretty slow. I wanted something to do in my extra time and I've always loved reading. This endorsement was cheaper/faster to complete than reading specialist. If given the choice, I'd prefer to stay in the classroom- I know a lot of schools have cut out library aides/assistants, and that some school libraries have cut down to part time positions. Which makes me sad that the kids do not have access to books, and I know it worries my mom and H about a lack of future jobs.(I really don't technically NEED this endorsement: I already have math/LA/sci/s.s./health)
I had a ton of middle school interviews in August, but only 1 year of part time experience prior to this. They all stated that they went with someone with more middle school teaching experience, but that I interviewed well. So part of me is hoping that just by staying here I'll have excellent recommendations if there is no opening here. Plus the 8th grade teachers told me they don't want me leaving, that they'd prefer me subbing for them so much over other subs that they will plan on rotating days off just so that I'm still in the building regularly.
The job is for the last 6 weeks of school, so from mid April to end of May. So overall, not as long as the Sept-Dec leave I did. But then I rely on random calls again (though hopefully, based on the 8th grade and the secretary, it would be fairly consistent calls)
Additionally, K-5 positions in this area are super hard to come by. I student taught 1st grade and subbed in only K-5 last year, and not a single interview for elementary since 2008.
Thanks for the suggestion in regards to the wording. I don't want them to view it as a negative response if at all possible, just because it is in the same district.