Media Specialist - Alabama Department of Education : Job Details

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in school library or library services from an accredited educational institution.
• Certification in Media by the state of Alabama.
• Must meet the No Child Left Behind Act regulations and requirements.
• Must meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to assist students and school personnel in the effective use of media. Ability to integrate the resources and services of the library media program with the instructional program. Ability to select, organize and utilize instructional media, equipment and technology. Knowledge of subject content, teaching theories, methods and practice, current research and trends. Knowledge of the unique needs, growth patterns and characteristics of the students served. Ability to maintain complete and accurate records. Knowledge of child development and especially of characteristics of students in the age group assigned. Ability to plan and implement activities for maximum effectiveness. Ability to use varied teaching methods to address student learning styles. Ability to use current technology. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision so that students have a safe and orderly environment in which to learn. Knowledge of current educational research. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to work effectively with peers, administrators and others. REPORTS TO: Principal JOB GOAL To facilitate the teaching-learning process by providing an environment in which a variety of media is effectively utilized in an atmosphere which promotes inquiry, creativity, self-direction and communication. SUPERVISES: Library Paraprofessional PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the media center.
• Identify, select or develop short- and long-range goals and objectives for the media program based on student, faculty, and curriculum needs.
• Plan with teachers and instructional leaders for the integration of media/information skills into the school program.
• Collaborate with teachers to support instructional goals and objectives.
• Participate in overall school curriculum planning and development.
• Teach library media skills in collaboration with teachers to support classroom instruction.
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery.
• Use appropriate materials, technology, and resources to help meet the learning needs of all students.
• Provide appropriate educational opportunities for students to meet their unique needs, talents, interests, and abilities.
• Use appropriate techniques and strategies to enhance the application of critical, creative and evaluative thinking capabilities.
• Conduct a media services program in a manner that ensures student growth and achievement are continuous and appropriate for age group, subject area and/or student program classification.
• Provide for use of current technologies.
• Provide technical support to students and staff.
• Instruct staff and students in the use of resources, services, and equipment.
• Provide reference assistance.
• Issue Audiovisual Library (AVL) cards to faculty and students.
• Coordinate annual book fairs if needed.
• Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions.
• Set high standards and expectations for self, others and school.
• Assist with responsibilities for administration of the school testing program.
• Develop schedules and organize resources to allow easy access to information and services.
• Maintain complete and accurate records as required by law, system policy and administrative regulations.
• Complete all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Establish a system of records that will provide an appropriate database for evaluating the use and distribution of the media collection and supporting materials and equipment.
• Solicit ongoing feedback from members of the school staff regarding the availability, use and impact of media materials.
• Contribute to the overall mission of the school by supporting school committees, programs, and services.
• Administer the media center budget based on program goals and objectives.
• Review the School Improvement Plan and plan for the acquisition of materials to enhance learning consistent with the needs of students with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles and special needs.
• Support and participate in school improvement initiatives, services, and programs.
• Maintain contact with other library, education, and information agencies.
• Implement an effective public relations program to promote media resources and programs.
• Coordinate the selection and acquisition process for media resources and equipment.
• Facilitate the use, maintenance, repair, and inventory of all media center materials and equipment.
• Manage technical equipment located in and associated with the library.
• Organize procedures, practices, materials, and routines for the effective use of instructional time and for the completion of administration activities.
• Train faculty in the use of media resources, equipment, and technology.
• Establish, maintain, and promote a collection of current professional resources for administrators and teachers.
• Create or select long-range plans based on a review of system and state curriculum priorities, student profiles and instructional priorities.
• Define goals and objectives for unit and daily plans.
• Plan and prepare lessons and instructional strategies which support the school improvement plan and the system mission.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of curriculum content.
• Provide quality work for students which is focused on meaningful, relevant and engaging learning experiences.
• Select, develop, modify and/or adapt materials and resources which support learning objectives and address students' varying learning styles, backgrounds and special needs.
• Sequence content and activities appropriately.
• Use appropriate material, technology and resources to help meet learning needs of all students.
• Establish and maintain a positive and safe learning environment in which students are encouraged to be actively engaged in the learning process.
• Apply principles of learning and effective teaching in instructional delivery.
• Assist students in assessing, interpreting and evaluating information from multiple sources.
• Communicate high learning expectations for all students.
• Provide instruction on safety procedures and proper handling of materials and equipment.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies appropriate for teaching students from diverse backgrounds with different learning styles and special needs.
• Use appropriate techniques and strategies to enhance the application of critical, creative and evaluative thinking capabilities of students.
• Interpret and use data for diagnosis, instructional planning and program evaluation.
• Establish and use behavior management techniques which are appropriate and effective.
• Establish routines and procedures and work with students on consistently following them.
• Foster student responsibility, appropriate social behavior, integrity, valuing of cultural diversity, and respect for self and others by role modeling and learning activities.
• Collaborate with students, parents, school staff and other appropriate persons to assist in meeting student needs.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with other professionals, students, parents and community.
• Recognize overt indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate intervention, referral, or reporting actions.
• Maintain contact with appropriate community resources and law enforcement agencies that can provide needed services.
• Assist others in acquiring knowledge and understanding of particular area of responsibility.
• Work with other teachers in curriculum development, special activities, and sharing ideas and resources.
• Assist in implementation of school rules, administrative regulations and School Board policy.
• Develop routines and efficient techniques for minimizing time required for administrative and organizational activities.
• Organize materials for efficient distribution and collection.
• Manage materials and equipment effectively.
• Establish and maintain efficient record keeping procedures.
• Maintain a clean, attractive, and organized learning environment.
• Use time effectively.
• Instruct and monitor the work of volunteers and aides when assigned.
• Act in a professional and ethical manner and adhere to professional standards at all times.
• Comply with policies, procedures and programs.
• Demonstrate attention to punctuality, attendance, records and reports.
• Exercise appropriate professional judgment.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and other professional information.
• Support school improvement initiatives by active participation in school activities, services and programs.
• Conduct a personal assessment periodically to determine professional development needs with reference to specific instructional assignment.
• Develop and implement a professional development plan annually in accordance with state and system requirements.
• Engage in continuing improvement of professional knowledge and skills.
• Keep abreast of developments in instructional methodology, learning theory, curriculum trends and content.

Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position. *Essential Performance Responsibilities PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move objects. Job Description Supplement 04 TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the system's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the system. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.