Media Specialist

Media Specialist

Function: To develop, implement and maintain integrated information technology programs and services to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.

Qualifications: Valid South Carolina teaching certificate as a Media Specialist/School Librarian

Reports To: Principal

Supervises: Media Assistants (as assigned), volunteers and/or student assistants

Work Days: 190 days

As Information Specialist

• Serve as a member of professional committees for the development of activities, training materials and programs to disseminate information technology.
• Support and participate in cooperative resource sharing with other information technology centers and local state and national information agencies through loan services and electronic communication formats.
• Involve patrons in selection and evaluation of materials, information databases and related equipment to support learning objectives.
• Provide teachers with information about new materials and current information technology developments in their specific instructional areas.
• Provide consultative services in selection, purchase, evaluation and use of information technology resources.
• Implement a public relations program that promotes literacy and use of the information technology center, services and resources.
• Maintain a central collection of statistical data, media/technology review, publisher/vendor catalogs and other pertinent information for educators.
• Provide a developmentally appropriate collection for resources that meet the information and recreational needs of all students.

As Teacher

• Participate in professional development opportunities provided and/or promoted by district, state and national organizations.
• Provide in-service training and information for teachers to promote effective utilization of information technology and the development of innovative instructional activities.
• Assist patrons in the production of learning materials such as multimedia, video, photography, etc.
• Partner with teacher in integrating information literacy strategies with appropriate curriculum activities.
• Provides instructional activities to students for the purpose of improving their success in academic, interpersonal and daily living skills.
• Monitors student activities (e.g. classroom, lunch, grounds, etc.) as necessary for the purpose of providing for the safety and welfare of students.

As an Instructional Partner

• Participate in the design of the total school curriculum and instructional program.
• Provide facilities and opportunities for individual and group study and production of resources.
• Use open access model to provide patrons with full accessibility to the information technology resources.
• Establish an environment that encourages creative and independent use of all types of information technology.
• Contribute to students' development in reading, viewing, listening, evaluating and communicating using available technologies.
• Plan collaboratively with teachers to ensure that a variety of resources and information literacy skills are integrated with classroom instruction.

As Program Administrator

• Plan, implement and evaluate information technology services to best meet student needs, district goals and school objectives.
• Monitor standards, guidelines, emerging practices and innovations in the library, media and information technology and education fields.
• Develop and administer the budget and maintain appropriate records.
• Organize and circulate information technology materials, services and related equipment for easy accessibility according to established district standards.
• Maintain a centralized, up-to-date bibliographic database for school information technology resources using the district automation system.
• Maintain and/or provide access to a professional library and education related informational databases to assist school educators.
• Manage the information technology center with procedures that facilitate maximum use of services and resources.
• Provide storage, distribution and system of accountability for information technology resources.
• Supervise staff assigned to the information technology center.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively relate to students and staff.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Broad knowledge of materials in all formats.
• Knowledge of curriculum content.
• Leadership and organizational qualities.

Minimum training and experience

• South Carolina certification as Media Specialist/School Librarian

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of remaining standing for extended periods of time, writing on a chalkboard, stooping, kneeling and crouching, and some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12 to 20 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisors and lecturing / giving instruction and/or assignments to students and assistants. Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, curriculum materials, texts, computer manuals, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into computer and prepare reports, records, teaching materials, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Must be able to speak with poise, voice control and confidence and to articulate information to others. Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to use influence systems in classroom teaching and the supervision of assistants and students. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions. Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give oral and written instructions; to counsel and teach students. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying ages and educational/cultural backgrounds and using the terminology applicable to the subject area(s) taught. Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion. Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment and communications machinery. Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items including computer keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination: Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with an emergency or tight deadline. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job. Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to hear and understand communications through a telephone.

Performance Evaluation Criteria

Knowledge of Job: Is knowledgeable in the methods, policies and procedures of the Chester County School District pertaining to specific duties of the Teacher. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the organization of the department and of related departments and agencies. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has thorough knowledge of the subject area(s) assigned. Is able to create and present innovative, effective, developmentally appropriate course and lesson plans. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and students. Is able to supervise, guide and support students with patience and kindness. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational and extracurricular activities and to want to learn. Is able to recognize signs of learning, physical, mental and social disabilities and take appropriate action. Is able to provide assistance, support and/or skills development opportunities to parents as required. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Has knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing records, reports and correspondence. Is able to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need