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

Experience and Skills:

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

The Blake School is a pre-kindergarten through grade 12, co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school enrolling 1,316 bright, talented students from nearly 56 Twin Cities-area communities. Founded in 1900, The Blake School has the advantage of facilities and campuses designed for specific developmental ages. Blake's mission is to engage students with a dynamic, academically challenging education in a diverse and supportive community committed to pluralism and a common set of values. Students pursue an integrated program of academic, artistic and athletic activities, preparing for college, lifelong learning and purposeful lives as community and global citizens. The school community is also guided by its Commitment to Pluralism and values.

The Blake School believes that a diverse society enriches all individuals and communities. Diversity of race, ethnicity, national origin, geography, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and marital, parental or economic status forms the fabric of our society. As a result of these beliefs, The Blake School actively seeks students, families and employees who value and contribute to the fullness of a diverse community within the context of its mission. In doing so, we recognize our responsibility to help make each person's experience a success. EOE