Education Technology Specialist

Description

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of 38 high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving 17,000+ TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

GENERAL SUMMARY:  
The Education Technology Specialist will join an innovative school team to support, transform and improve the Blended  Learning work at Aspire. The Specialist will work the school principal, teachers, and Home Office Blended Learning team.  

Success in this position requires an entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, experience with strategic program  improvement, success in coaching and developing adults, and empathy to understand the challenges faced by expanded  learning teammates and students at Aspire. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

∙ Manages school-wide systems (logistical, behavior, incentives) for integrating technology, usually in a 1:1  environment  

∙ Supports teacher’s use of technology in the classroom by performing basic technology troubleshooting functions  and coaching on use of technology as needed  

∙ Manages school-wide computer fleet by serving as the point-person for inventory, set up, and act as a liaison  with Aspire IT  

∙ Supports software-based assessments, including managing an assessment schedule, administering the  assessment, and supporting with makeup assessments.  

∙ Collects and disseminates online learning data, and ensures that teachers and students are regularly aware of  students’ progress, and can target instruction to assist struggling students 

∙ Conducts professional development with teachers on student data and technology programs and independently  manages use of these programs  

∙ Responsible for becoming an expert user of blended learning and other student technology programs; required  to train new teachers in how to use the student-facing technology programs, and also provide recommendations  for program improvement where  

∙ Maintains school-wide culture of excellence around online learning, including practices such as school-wide  awards, individual and class incentives, and ensuring that best practices around technology use are exhibited in all classes. Observes best practices within school and in other schools to provide more context and feedback to  teachers as needed.  

∙ Communicates the proper use and purpose of technology tools and resources to parents and families, and  informs these stakeholders of potential at-home resources.  

∙ Monitors and tracks completion of student and family Acceptable Use Policies, and works with school staff to  take action in the event of these policies being broken.  

∙ Keeps track of developments in the education technology field in order to identify potential other tools that  would beneficial to the school’s mission and goals.  

∙ Collaborates with Aspire team members to improve own and others’ instructional practices; shares best  practices  

∙ Supports a school-wide culture of high expectations that includes college preparation for all students ∙ Actively participates in professional development activities related to technology, school culture, and/or  instructional practices 

∙ Demonstrates knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards,  policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior ∙ Perform other related duties as required and assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required knowledge, skills & abilities: 

∙ Strong facility with technology software and hardware. 

∙ Ability to troubleshoot computer issues; inquisitive working style and desire to get to the root of technology  issues 

∙ Ability and willingness to reflect and improve 

∙ Positive attitude and friendly demeanor with ability to build relationships with teachers, manage school-wide  initiatives and implement best-practices 

∙ Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles 

∙ Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate with colleagues, parents and community  ∙ Comfortable with experimentation and trying new ideas; able to learn and adjust quickly 

Minimum educational level: 
- Bachelor’s degree required 

Experience required: 
- At least 3+ years working with students as a teacher, teacher intern, or teaching assistant strongly  Compensation:
Aspire offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits, including paid time off, up to 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, tuition reimbursement plan, and adoption assistance program.The salary schedule for this position is  $66,560 - $85,106 based on years of experience.

Aspire Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Aspire promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.