What are the responsibilities and job description for the The Blake School is hiring : Pre-K-12 Library and Educational Technology Chair in position at The Blake School?
Job Description
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
Minimum Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in library science, educational technology, curriculum and instruction or a related field
At least five years of experience leading a team, managing instructional programs or implementing school-wide initiatives related to library services or educational technology
Teaching experience in a middle or upper school setting
Demonstrated success collaborating with educators to develop curriculum and instructional strategies
Preferred Qualifications :
Master's degree in library science, educational technology or a related field
Certification as a school library media specialist or an advanced degree from an ALA-accredited program
Experience supervising faculty or staff in a school setting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Expertise in progressive, inquiry-based learning practices
Strong knowledge of current digital tools, research databases and media literacy best practices
Proficiency in integrating instructional technology into various subject areas
Understanding of ethical and legal considerations in the use of print and digital resources
Excellent communication, facilitation and organizational skills
Demonstrated leadership experience in managing and evolving library and technology programs
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in library and technology spaces
Ability to work collaboratively, think innovatively and adapt to changing needs in education
Benefits :
This position requires a commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth and the ability to foster curiosity, resilience and inclusivity in students and faculty. The chair must be an enthusiastic advocate for the power of libraries and technology in shaping the future of education.
The chairs work closely with division directors and the CIO and report directly to the Associate Head of School.
Salary Range : $95K-115K
Salary : $95,000 - $115,000
