Pre-K-12 Library and Educational Technology Chair

Job Description:

The PK-12 library and educational technology chair provides strategic leadership for Blake’s library and educational technology programs. The chair ensures these programs align with the school's mission and strategic vision while staying current with best practices in library management, media literacy and educational technology. This role fosters collaboration among faculty, staff and students to promote a dynamic, inclusive and innovative learning environment that enhances literacy, inquiry and digital citizenship.

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on March 14 and until the position is filled. Blake will cover the travel and lodging costs for finalist candidates visiting from out of town.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Vision and Leadership

• Develop and articulate a strategic vision for the Blake library and educational technology programs, ensuring alignment with Blake’s mission and institutional goals

• Set annual departmental goals in collaboration with the library and instructional technology teams

• Serve as an advocate for the library and instructional technology programs within the school and the broader educational community

• Lead professional development initiatives to integrate technology into teaching and learning

Library and Media Literacy

• Oversee developing and implementing a PK-12 library and media literacy curriculum, ensuring students develop strong research, critical-thinking and digital-literacy skills

• Collaborate with faculty to design engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences that support interdisciplinary research and project-based learning

• Manage library collections, ensuring they reflect diverse perspectives and support students' academic and personal interests

• Promote a culture of reading and intellectual exploration through library programs, book clubs and special events

Educational Technology and Digital Citizenship

• Partner with Information Support Services, the school’s IT team, to ensure the instructional use of technology aligns with the school’s broader IT infrastructure while focusing on pedagogy, curriculum integration and professional learning

• Design and implement faculty training programs on emerging digital tools, research strategies and instructional best practices

• Collaborate with instructional technology coaches and makerspace innovators to mentor faculty in integrating technology into their curriculum through coaching, workshops and individual support

• Develop and implement programs that promote ethical digital use, online safety and media literacy, ensuring students and faculty are equipped to engage with digital information critically

• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies to enhance curriculum delivery and student engagement

Collaboration and Program Development

• Supervise and support teacher-librarians, instructional technology coaches and makerspace educators, fostering their ongoing professional growth

• Oversee the archives and student records coordinator in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Advancement

• Work with academic leadership to assess and enhance the impact of library and educational technology initiatives

• Serve as an instructional partner in the Upper School, co-designing learning experiences, assessment and research projects

• Stay abreast of the community's evolving needs regarding AI engagement and professional development; foster ongoing collaboration with faculty to explore practical and effective AI applications inside and outside the classroom

Program Management & Administration

• Develop and manage budgets for library and educational technology resources

• Maintain policies for library circulation, collection development and digital resources

• Ensure accessibility and usability of library and technology resources for all students including those with diverse learning needs

• Lead cross-divisional initiatives such as summer reading programs and Blake’s signature Beardecott event