Laboratory Schools: EdTech Specialist

Department
 

Lab School Technology

About the Department
 

At the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, students in Nursery through Grade 12 experience a world-class educational journey. Founded in 1896 by John Dewey as a place for educators to develop and explore novel approaches to pedagogy and curriculum, Lab continues to provide excitement and imagination in learning to this day. Academic rigor, experiential learning, and intellectual discourse are hallmarks of a Lab education. Lab educators are recognized for excellence in teaching and pride themselves on innovation in the classroom. Students in every grade have access to unparalleled resources, and all members of the Lab community benefit by partnerships and connections with the University of Chicago. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. No less than scholarship, Lab’s mission prioritizes honoring diversity and exhibiting kindness. We are committed to building and supporting a teaching and learning community where young people see aspects of their backgrounds and identities reflected around them, where they feel a deep sense of belonging, and where they discover and use their voices to full effect. Today, 53-59 percent of Lab’s student body are students of color. Families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are also affiliated with the University of Chicago. Half of our families live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northwestern Indiana. Inclusion is a fundamental value at Lab, such that we celebrate every facet of community members’ identities, and even where we disagree, we emphasize respect, civility, and maintaining a spirit of community.

Job Summary
 

Students and teachers at Lab have a wide array of tech tools available to them for classroom instruction, organization, study aids, communication, and more. Through providing training, technical support, and in-class guidance, the EdTech Specialist will help make learning with technology seamless. The goal of the position is not to simply assist with using technology while teaching but to unlock the possibilities that teaching with technology enables. Helping students to access higher order thinking, ask better questions, and realize relationships that would be otherwise opaque.
The EdTech Specialist is a member of the Information Systems (IS) team, reporting to the Director of Technology. The IS team functions as the local IT support group for the Lab School, in coordination with the University of Chicago Information Technology Services. This position will have a direct connection with the Lab School World Language Dept, including oversight of the World Language Lab, coordination with the World Language Liaison, and management of language learning platforms. Promoting, training, and coaching world language teachers on new instructional technologies will be a major responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Supports utilization of existing education-based technologies provided by the University and Lab.
• Attends regular meetings with department chairs to understand classroom and curricular tech needs.
• Oversees the World Language Lab and DiLL learning server.
• Researches and evaluates new hardware and software needs to enhance the technology and stays up-to-date on the latest trends in technology.
• Writes/develops technology processes and procedures.
• Coordinates and facilitates professional growth opportunities for faculty to deepen their understanding of key technical ideas and enhance competence in incorporating technology appropriately into classroom instruction.
• Troubleshoots and maintains computer hardware and software as needed.
• Assists with technology at school events.
• Documents and instructs teachers on how to properly enter grades and remarks at the conclusion of each marking period.
• Analyzes resources and services ranging from basic online courses to application of technology in teaching. This competence is developed by performing structured work assignments.
• Monitors and analyzes trends, identifies opportunities, and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning problems. Works with other units across campus to aggregate services in an academic context.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or technology.

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Experience:

• Previous experience in K-12 classroom teaching or other school-based ed-tech roles.
• Extensive knowledge of and experiences with digital platforms, tools, media, methods, and design processes.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Understanding of curriculum development and implementation, as well as effective teaching strategies.
• Considerable knowledge of current and emerging technologies and new practices.
• Knowledge in and experience with the use of Chromebooks, iPads, interactive touchscreen TVs, document cameras, as well as a wide variety of digital resources, tools, and instructional software.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and learning management systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong technical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Quickly learn unfamiliar tools and share the information with students and teachers.
• Troubleshoot and remediate equipment issues.
• Instruct and work collaboratively with administration, teachers, students, and parents.
• Integrity, analytical thinker, ability to multi-task, problem solver, flexible, creative, patient, a life-long learner who seeks to remain current through continuing education and professional development.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Information Technology

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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