Instructional Media-Technology Specialist/Librarian (School for the Blind)
BROAD SCOPE OF POSITION:
This position reports to the Principal, School for the Blind and is responsible to support curriculum, instruction and technology integration efforts / activities, and to manage daily access to and utilization of information and technology resources, including library, media, computer, video, and telecommunications, and assistive technologies. This position serves as a consultant / professional development trainer to learners, teachers, service providers throughout the state, and other educational staff to develop and broaden skills, knowledge and experience in the areas of library, media, and technology resources, and provides basic technical assistance and support.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordination of Library Media / Technology / Information Services
- Responsible for resource evaluation, selection, acquisition, organization and retention.
- Responsible for effective development and management of the library and media budget.
- Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the library management system.
- Collaborates with teachers to integrate technology and information literacy into classrooms.
- Responsible for identifying on-demand technology resources, managing a list of approved on-demand technology resources, ensuring that resources meet applicable personally identifiable information (PII) requirements, and setting up student and staff accounts.
- Upholds media center policy and procedures consistent with school goals, policies, procedures and mission / vision statements.
- Supervises and maintains all daily functions of the school-based library, media and technology services.
- Responsible for maintaining systems for inventory, repair records, equipment location, resource maintenance and replacement/upgrade of technology, low vision devices, library and media resources.
- Coordinates the distribution of student technology device distribution, device loan agreements, and maintains student distribution lists for devices.
- Coordinates the distribution of low vision devices and low vision device agreements (when applicable).
- Oversees community volunteers assigned to support the media center.
- Utilizes technology to model, teach, and assist learners relative to instruction and activities.
- Serves as the website editor for the School for the Blind.
- Assists with the filing, editing and tech oversite of School for the Blind projects.
Supports and Facilitates Technology Collaboration in Teaching and Learning
- Performs work associated with standards-based learner instruction: prepares lesson plans, adapts instructional materials, develops input for and presents daily instructional/learning activities based upon the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and school reform tenets under the direction of the Principal, maintains a positive learning environment utilizing appropriate positive behavior support strategies, keeps learners on task and engaged in learning.
- Assists in the development of and conducts training programs for staff and learners in the utilization of library and media resources.
- Creates learning resources for teachers, staff and learners; may include web sites, interactive programs, databases, etc. that support teachers in integrating technology. Ideally, teachers will be guided and encouraged in developing their own resources and this position will support these efforts, providing additional support as needed.
- Designs instructional training, classes, or workshops for students aligned with curricular goals to increase network and digital literacy skills.
- Maintains list of online course options and supports student enrollment in online courses.
- Provides essential technology training resources for students and staff.
- Facilitates professional development related to educational technology in coordination with the school’s professional learning needs.
- Serves as a liaison with network services to ensure technical problems are resolved.
General
- Communicates with school principals to facilitate implementation of library, low vision devices, media and technology initiatives and related school improvement goals.
- Communicates library / media / technology highlights to school communities.
- Collaborates with other coordinators of information and technology to resolve concerns related to library, media and technology competencies.
- Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders to analyze and solve problems effectively.
- Collaborates with appropriate staff to apply for competitive grants and secure funding for school resources, technology and materials.
- Assists in the development of school information technology plan.
- Participates in activities related to professional development and training / workshops as appropriate; e.g., reads professional literature to maintain a high level of expertise in new information resources / technologies.
- Identifies and provides opportunities for the school to serve as a learning and technology-rich environment.
- Positively serves as a team member of the School for the Blind and of the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) as a whole; and participates in regular team and departmental meetings, school and instructional meetings as required.
- Serves as an advocate for assigned learners.
- Performs all other related duties as required / assigned.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree in Library Science, Media Science (or related program accredited by the American Library Association), Instructional Technology / Technology Education, or related regionally accredited program; specialization in Vision Education desired.
- Must hold, be eligible for, and obtain appropriate educator licensure in the State of Colorado, with endorsement in one of the following: Teacher Librarian, Instructional Technology, Technology Education, or equivalent.
- Experience in library media, technology or related field; experience teaching / working with children (in an educational environment) who are blind/visually impaired and/or Deafblind preferred.
- Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Novice (0+) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedures.
- Ability to demonstrate functional skills in Braille.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
- Knowledge of and ability to apply current standards-based educational practices associated with learners who are blind/visually impaired.
- Knowledge of and ability to check for accessibility and make documents read with screen reading software accessible.
- Demonstrated knowledge, competence and skill in all aspects of current and emerging educational technology and teaching information literacy.
- Demonstrated knowledge and competence in all aspects of coordinating and providing library media/technology services to faculty, staff and learners.
- Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.
- Ability to actively promote growth of information / technology competencies among all staff.
- Ability to establish high standards for what learners must know and be able to do.
- Demonstrated abilities in organizational, human relations, and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with all learners who are blind/visually impaired.
- Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in team setting.
- Strong, positive interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively serve in the role of CSDB representative through a courteous, professional, collaborative, and helpful attitude.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Full-time; scheduled to work the standard number of days in the academic year (as per the established School Calendar, currently 195 days, August to June), with 5 (five) additional days to serve as an Instructional Specialist, for a total of 200 days (0.77 fte).
- The annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule, and based upon appropriate education and experience.
- Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed or implied contract.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Selected applicants must verify experience / highest degree held.
- Direct deposit of paycheck is required.
- CSDB is a non-smoking facility in its entirety.
- Selected applicant must comply with the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.
- As required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), selected applicant must verify, within 72 hours of employment, his/her legal right to be employed in the United States.
- Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a background check, to include Colorado and Federal criminal history checks, employment verification, and professional/personal reference checks.