Learning Commons, Media

**Job Description: Learning Commons, Media & Research Leader (Grades 6-12)**:
**Position Overview**:
The Learning Commons, Media & Research Leader is a forward-thinking educator and program leader who transforms the library into a vibrant hub of inquiry, literacy, media fluency, and global connection. This role empowers students and faculty to thrive as curious thinkers, resilient learners, collaborative leaders, purpose-driven citizens, and global navigators. Working closely with the Director of Teaching and Learning and school leadership, the Leader curates resources, designs learning experiences, and cultivates a culture where curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and belonging flourish.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Literacy, Media & Reading Culture**:

- Inspire a love of reading for pleasure and academic growth through diverse, inclusive, multilingual resources.
- Celebrate global perspectives and affirm cultural identity through literature and media in multiple languages.
Lead campaigns, author visits, book clubs, and events that strengthen a community-wide culture of reading and belonging.

**2. Research, Inquiry & Information Literacy**:

- Teach research skills, media analysis, academic integrity, AI literacy, and digital citizenship.
- Guide students through major IB projects (Extended Essay, Internal Assessments) and AP Seminar and AP Research, and other inquiry-driven work across grades 6-12.
- Collaborate with faculty to develop and embed vertically aligned inquiry, problem-solving, and research skills curricula across disciplines.
- Ensure equitable access to resources that foster ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible engagement with information.

**3. Learning Commons Leadership**:

- Reimagine the Learning Commons as an open and inclusive environment founded in a joy for learning; a flexible, future-oriented space for exploration, collaboration, quiet study, and creative production.
- Curate and manage a dynamic collection of print, digital, and multimedia resources aligned with curriculum and student interests.
- Partner with IT and Innovation teams to integrate makerspaces, media labs, and digital platforms into student learning.

**4. Faculty Partnership & Professional Learning**:

- Serve as an instructional partner by co-designing and co-teaching units that embed literacy, inquiry, and research.
- Provide coaching and workshops on progressive approaches to literacy, media fluency, research pedagogy, and technology integration.
- Contribute to curriculum committees and leadership teams, ensuring the Portrait of a Learner attributes are reflected in secondary school learning.

**5. Management & Administration**:

- Supervise and mentor library/media assistants, fostering professional growth and ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Manage the Learning Commons budget in partnership with school leadership, balancing innovation with sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with copyright, licensing, and ethical use of print and digital resources.
- Develop systems and procedures to keep the Learning Commons efficient, inclusive, and future-ready.

**6. Strategic Vision & Advocacy**:

- Position the Learning Commons as a hub for inquiry, creativity, multilingualism, and global citizenship.
- Lead initiatives that advance 21st-century skills: critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication.
- Build partnerships with universities, libraries, and organizations to expand opportunities for students.
- Stay at the forefront of trends in educational technology, media literacy, and school librarianship, bringing fresh ideas into practice.

**Qualifications & Experience**:

- Degree in Library & Information Science, Education, Media Studies, or related field.
- Teaching certification is strongly preferred.
- Experience in secondary education; IB experience is highly desirable.
- Expertise in adolescent literacy, media and research pedagogy, and progressive information literacy practices.
- Demonstrated success in leading innovation, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary projects.

**Personal Attributes**
- Passionate advocate for inquiry, literacy, multilingualism, and global education.
- Inclusive and culturally responsive, with a deep commitment to diverse learners.
- Visionary and innovative in reimagining the role of the library.
- Skilled communicator and collaborator, with the ability to lead change across teams.
- Embodies and champions the Portrait of a Learner attributes and the school’s mission.