Department:

Information Technology and Library Services

Job Title:

District K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist

FLSA Status:
(Exempt/Non-exempt)

Exempt; Unit E

Reports to:

Director of Information Technology and Library Services

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Summary:

The District K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist has a dual role of supporting the integration of technology in all aspects of the curriculum, as well as supporting all staff in the day-to-day operations of the technology in the building by modeling, coaching and teaming. District ITS also provide professional development for teachers and staff across the District.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications :

• Licensed as an Instructional Technology Specialist by the Massachusetts DESE
• Extensive experience setting up, working with and using variety of technology and applications. Ability to adapt easily to new technology.
• Communications: Ability to communicate effectively with staff and with other technology personnel to facilitate an effective implementation of technology goals.
• Personal Growth: Dedicated interest and willingness to learn new concepts in using computer technology to implement classroom curriculum goals.
• Independence: Self-starting ability to be innovative and problem-solve.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills related to staff support and troubleshooting.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Provide direct technology support and training to school staff in integrating technology into various aspects of the curriculum K-12. Skillfully identify how technology can be used as a resource in the classroom.
• Provide building based and system-wide professional development workshops for K-12, for a variety of instructional technology initiatives, e.g. online learning, telecommunications, multimedia, modeling of effective practice in integrating technology into subject areas, simulations, research tools, desktop publishing, web page creation, etc.
• Determine software needs for faculty/school. Evaluate software and online applications for teachers and to see how these best fit into the curriculum.
• Work as a team member with other technology specialists and with curriculum coordinators to support state and local curriculum standards and frameworks.
• Collaborate with and support each school’s staff with testing and assessment.
• Work with the principal, library teacher, and staff in assessing the school’s technology needs, and provide appropriate support and consultation when previewing and selecting new resources. Maintain the technology budget within the assigned building.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring Newton’s technology plan, which reflects school and system-wide needs and priorities.
• Maintain the schools’ websites.
• Participate in citywide planning (K-12 Professional Development) as a member of the Information Technology and Library Department.
• Model and coach teachers on cyber-safety lessons within classroom.
• Attend PTO meetings when needed to discuss Cyber Safety or other technology topics.
• Model ethics, safety, and proficiency in the basic use of hardware and applications for staff and students.
• Troubleshoot minor hardware problems and communicate larger problems to the technology support personnel. Ensure that the building’s technology systems and hardware are running smoothly and effectively while working collaborating with TSS.
• Participate in technology-related activities that foster personal growth and maintain a current knowledge base.
• Maintain and advance knowledge of a variety of software and hardware tools for connectivity, communication, creativity, research, problem solving and decision making to enhance learning.
• Provide relevant and targeted technology integration support to teachers and students in correlation with NPS curriculum and the current state standards. It is an expectation that the Instructional Technology Special collaborate closely with faculty and staff to effectively achieve a seamless integration of technology tools and resources into current units of study.
• Daily skill requirements include basic hardware setup, basic maintenance procedures, and proficiency with word processing, databases (SIS), spreadsheet, desktop publishing, online learning, network applications, and use of multi-media projection devices.

• Daily support capabilities include troubleshooting established computer network environments, cameras and multi-media projection devices.

• Consistent and on-time attendance is required for supervision and instruction of the students.

• Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed.

• Previous classroom experience is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both office and school environments

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, crouch and/or kneel. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.