What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital Literacy and Computer Science Teacher position at Michael E. Smith Middle School?
Michael E. Smith Middle School
7:47am to 2:25pm
Grades: 5th-8th
Position: Digital Literacy Teacher and Computer Science Teacher– Middle School, Grades 5-8
Job Goals:
The Digital Literacy Teacher is responsible for providing standards-based instruction to middle school students in grades 5-8 that prepares them to be responsible, safe, creative, and proficient users of technology. The teacher will support students in developing digital literacy, digital citizenship, computer science, research, communication, collaboration, and technology productivity skills needed for success in school and beyond.
Supervision: Reports to the Building Principal
Experience and Training:
1. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in Digital Literacy/Computer Science, Instructional Technology, Technology/Engineering, or related field required/preferred.
2. SEI endorsement required.
3. Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in education, digital literacy, computer science, instructional technology, technology education, or related field required.
4. Master's Degree preferred.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, including standards related to digital literacy, computer science, technology, and safe/responsible technology use.
6. Experience teaching digital literacy, computer science, technology education, instructional technology, or related subjects preferred.
7. Strong knowledge of educational technology tools and digital learning resources.
8. Ability to design and deliver developmentally appropriate, standards-based lessons that meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of middle school students.
9. Demonstrated ability to create a positive classroom environment that fosters belonging, engagement, high expectations, and joyful learning.
10. Knowledge of digital citizenship, internet safety, privacy, cybersecurity awareness, media literacy, online research, digital communication, and responsible use of technology.
11. Knowledge of coding, programming fundamentals, computational thinking, multimedia production, presentation design, and other digital literacy skills preferred.
12. Ability to assess student progress, provide meaningful feedback, maintain accurate records, and communicate with families regarding student growth.
13. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
14. Strong organizational, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
15. Ability to work positively and collaboratively with students, staff, families, administrators, and colleagues.
16. Commitment to supporting the mission of public education and equitable outcomes for all students.
17. Commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible instructional practices.
Other Qualifications
1. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
2. High ethical standards and integrity in all professional responsibilities
3. Proven capacity for strategic planning, organizational leadership, and innovative problem-solving.
4. Commitment to equitable education and continuous improvement for all students and staff.
5. Demonstrated ability to lead change while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Teach digital literacy skills to students in grades 5-8 through district-approved curriculum and standards-based instruction.
2. Develop lesson plans, instructional materials, and learning experiences that align with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and district curriculum goals.
3. Teach students to use technology safely, ethically, responsibly, and effectively.
4. Provide instruction in digital citizenship, responsible online behavior, internet safety, privacy, cybersecurity awareness, and appropriate use of online tools.
5. Teach students research and information literacy skills, including how to locate, evaluate, and use online sources responsibly.
6. Provide instruction in media literacy, digital communication, collaboration, productivity, and presentation skills.
7. Introduce students to computer science concepts, computational thinking, coding, programming fundamentals, and problem-solving through technology.
8. Provide opportunities for students to engage in digital creativity, multimedia production, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary technology projects.
9. Adapt instruction to meet the needs of individual students and subgroups of students.
Classroom Environment and Student Support
1. Create and maintain a positive, safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
2. Establish high expectations for all students and present material in a developmentally appropriate manner.
3. Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of middle school students.
4. Support students in the proper use, care, and safe handling of technology equipment and digital resources.
5. Model ethical behavior, digital responsibility, and appropriate use of online and educational technology resources.
6. Evaluate student academic growth, maintain appropriate records, and complete grading, progress reports, attendance, and other required documentation.
7. Communicate with families regarding student progress, learning expectations, and areas for growth.
8. Identify student learning challenges and collaborate with administrators, colleagues, support staff, and families to support student success.
Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities
1. Collaborate with teachers, specialists, administrators, and other staff to support student learning.
2. Participate in school and district meetings, professional development, and curriculum work as assigned.
3. Stay current with digital learning resources, educational technology tools, and trends in digital literacy and computer science education.
4. Support school and district goals related to technology, digital literacy, equity, inclusion, and student readiness.
5. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records in accordance with district policy, administrative expectations, and applicable laws.
6. Participate in the educator evaluation process with professionalism and collaboration.
7. Attend family engagement opportunities, including Back to School Night, Open House, and other school events as agreed upon with the Building Principal.
8. Supervise students in assigned out-of-classroom activities during the workday, as assigned.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.
Terms of Employment: Twelve months a year. Salary to be negotiated with the Superintendent of Schools.
Evaluation: Performance of the job will be evaluated on a yearly basis by the Superintendent of Schools consistent with the requirements and expectations of Massachusetts Educator Evaluation regulations, 603 CMR 35.00, and locally developed procedures.
Physical Requirements: The position requires a moderate amount of walking, standing, sitting and climbing stairs and step stool whenever necessary. Activities also include moderate physical exertion in body movement such as reaching, bending, twisting, grasping, pushing, and pulling of objects. The position requires lifting objects of 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and over 20 pounds occasionally. There is a frequent requirement of fine manipulation associated with the required use of a computer, typewriter, keyboard, calculator, and other business machines.
Environmental Conditions: The occupant is required to work indoors. The regular chemical solvents are toners and cleaning fluids.
Salary : $53,233 - $89,311