Media Generalist
Hmong College Prep Academy – Saint Paul, MN
Reports to: Danijela Duvnjak, Director of Teaching & Learning
Primary Purpose:
The media specialists collaborates with classroom teachers and specialists to design and implement lessons and units of instruction which support classroom curriculum, promotes a joy of reading with students, and teaches learner skills in finding, interpreting, and applying information to help students function effectively.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Leader
The media specialists creates an environment where collaboration and creative problem solving thrive. As an excellent communicator who instills enthusiasm in others by making them feel that they are important members of a team, the media specialists foster an environment of creativity, innovation, and openness to new ideas, welcoming and encouraging input from others to create consensus. They anticipate future obstacles and continually retool to meet challenges. The media specialist demonstrates his or her role as a visible and active leader within the school community, an advocate for the SLP, and a professional member of the school library community by:
• Serving on decision making teams in the school as necessary
• Benchmarking the SLP to school, state, and national program standards
• Creating an environment that is conducive to active and participatory learning, resource-based instructional practices, and collaboration with teaching staff
• Sharing with the learning community collaboratively developed and up-to-date district policies concerning such issues as materials selection, circulation, reconsideration of materials, copyright, privacy, and acceptable use
• Remaining current in professional practices and developments, information technologies, and educational research applicable to integration of technology and literature into the classroom
• Advocating for school library programs and the guiding principles of the school library profession; the media specialist is an active, accessible, and informed proponent of the school library profession by advocating, communicating, and promoting opportunities to improve the profession
• Demonstrating a commitment to maintaining intellectual freedom
• Promoting the ethical use of information
Instructional Partner
As an instructional partner the media specialist works with teachers and other educators to build and strengthen connections between student information and research needs, curricular content, learning outcomes, and information resources. The media specialist demonstrates his or her role as an essential and equal partner in the instructional process by:
• Participating in the curriculum development process at both the building and district level when necessary to ensure that the curricula include the full range of literacy skills (information, media, visual, digital, and technological literacy) necessary to meet content standards and to develop lifelong learners
• Collaborating with teachers and students to design and teach engaging inquiry and learning experiences and assessments that incorporate multiple literacies and foster critical thinking
• Participating in the implementation of collaboratively planned learning experiences by providing classroom and individual instruction, assessing student progress, and evaluating activities
• Joining with teachers and others to plan and implement meaningful experiences that will promote a love of reading and lifelong learning
Information Specialist
As information specialist, the media specialist provides leadership and expertise in the selection, acquisition, evaluation, and organization of information resources and technologies in all formats, as well as expertise in the ethical use of information. The media specialist ensures equitable access and responsible use of information by:
• Modeling effective strategies for developing multiple literacies
• Providing guidance in software and hardware evaluation, and developing processes for such evaluation
• Understanding copyright, fair use, and licensing of intellectual property, and assisting users with their understanding and observance of the same
• Organizing the collection for maximum and effective use
Teacher
As a teacher, the media specialist empowers students to become critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. The media specialist supports students’ success by:
• Guiding students in reading for understanding, for exposure to diversity of viewpoints and genres, and for pleasure
• Conducting activities with students such as intentional read aloud, book talks, and creating displays to promote reading and learning by students
• Providing instruction using Destiny online card catalog, ELM databases, as well as other print and digital resources needed for student research
• Incorporating Digital Citizenship skills and Google Apps into lessons when appropriate to expand students proficiency in acquiring, using, and sharing information
• Instructing students in using information for defined and self-defined purposes
• Building on prior knowledge and constructing new knowledge
• Embracing the world of information and all its formats
• Working with peers in successful collaboration for learning
• Constructively assessing their own learning and the work of their peers
• Consulting with teachers regarding educational materials, providing resources and assisting in the evaluation of materials used in order to support curriculum utilized in the classroom
Hmong College Prep Academy stands out as a high quality school for both teachers, students and staff and demonstrates this in many ways:
• Low 20:1 teacher/student ratio
• Strong technology focus with a 1:1 Android tablets for students
• Standard student uniform policy
• Robust professional development and mentoring program for teachers
• Pitsco STEM lab
• Recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education as a Celebration School
• Academic and extracurricular activities/teams such as Mock Trial, Band, Choir, Soccer and Volleyball
• World Culture Day
• College preparation programs and activities, such as a Big 10 Tour and career fairs
Specific Qualifications:
• BA/BS Degree
• Hold a current MN Teaching license in a content area.
• Hold a current Media Generalist or Library Media Specialist licensure
• Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of curriculum and strategic planning.
• Be knowledgeable in Google Apps for Education (GAFE) as well as using a PC computer and Microsoft applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Use effective communication skills both oral and written, with the ability to give formal oral presentations to groups.
• Be ready to work in a collegial and collaborative environment
• Use excellent time management skills.
Work Environment/Conditions:
Reporting for duty: all employees are required to be on duty and ready for students per work schedule as allocated by the direct supervisor. Each employee is assigned a security “swipe-card” that keeps a record of all entries and exits. All employees are required to use the swipe-card when entering the building (even the front entrance) and when leaving the building. The attendance program will automatically keep an annual record of the entering and exiting time for all individuals.
• Operate standard equipment (computer, fax machine, telephone, copier machines, etc.)
• Complete additional job requirements that support and enhance teaching and learning, such as appropriate participation in professional development and training sessions; off-campus sessions, etc.
• Fast pace work environment, ability to work 40 hours
Other Information:
Transcript – Unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of hire. You must submit official transcripts within 30 days of your start date. Formal credential evaluation is required for post-secondary education completed outside of the United States.
Criminal Background Investigation and Reference Checks – Reference checks and a criminal background investigation will be completed as a condition of hire for all new employees and for former employees who have not been employed by the District for more than six months.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Hmong College Prep Academy will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability, or status with regard to public assistance. The Hmong College Prep Academy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action School District.
Benefits:
Include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Flexible Spending, and Retirement
Interested candidate should apply through this link: https://www.applitrack.com/hmongacademy/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1
Original posting/application information