Director of Digital Learning and Technology

Job Description:

The British International School of New York (BIS-NY) is a dynamic and nurturing community educating children in a stunning waterside campus in Manhattan.  We are proud to welcome families from around forty countries to our school, which delivers a distinct and innovative curriculum, combining the International Baccalaureate and English National Curriculum.  Alongside this rigorous and engaging curriculum, the school is also committed to providing a broad and inspiring wider programme in Sport, the Creative and Performing Arts and Community Service.  The warmth of relations across the school and close, constructive co-operation with families are other essential ingredients in what makes the school such a great place to work and learn.  September 2016 was the tenth anniversary of BIS-NY and this post arises because of the continued growth and development of the school.  The school opened a new Upper School programme from September 2018 offering Cambridge International IGCSE and A Level courses.  We are looking for talented, committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our exceptional team of staff and help make BIS-NY even better.

This new post offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic colleague with the vision, drive and skills to lead and develop this important aspect of the school’s provision and curriculum. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate evidence of having helped to shape and enable effective and bold innovation in this field. The school is well equipped with the devices, kit and infrastructure to deliver an ambitious and engaging programme in technology and computing, and we are excited as a learning community to embark on the next stage of development in our provision.

The subject is delivered by the class teachers in Nursery to Year 2 with support from the subject specialist. All students in Years 3-6 have specialist lessons in Technology which cover the skills and knowledge set out in the English National Curriculum and the IB Primary Years Programmes. It is taught as part of the Design course in the MYP in Years 7-9. Computer Science is being introduced as an option at IGCSE from September 2020 and the successful candidate will help determine if it is also ultimately offered at A Level. Digital safety and helping students to make effective and appropriate use of online and electronic learning resources will be another important aspect of this role. The postholder will work closely with the school pastoral care team and student digital ambassadors to help give students the knowledge, awareness and confidence to make informed and safe use of social media and other emerging forms of technology. The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner and will possess the skills and experience to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. The opportunity will suit someone with a strong technical background, ideally combined with some experience of international education and in coordinating both the teaching and support team in IT. All staff contribute to the co-curricular life of the school and a willingness to be involved in the arts, sport, clubs and for community service would be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership on the delivery and integration of technology and IT across the school.

• Help to ensure that the educational provision and opportunities in technology and computing are key strengths of the school

• Lead on reviewing and enhancing the computing and technology curriculum across the school

• Provide ongoing training and support to teachers in assisting them to make effective use of technology

• Advise the Head and leadership team on best practice in digital learning and the use of technology and contribute to the school development plan on this matter

• Design and deliver the Computer Science programme for the Upper School (students in Years 10-13)

• Support and advise the pastoral team on eSafety and contribute to school guidance and monitoring in this area

• Oversee and contribute to the IT team to help evaluate, develop and review the overall school infrastructure and network to ensure it supports the use of technology across the school

• Engage and inspire colleagues and students to make use of technology to enhance and deepen learning

• Design and help deliver a programme of co-curricular and extension activities to broaden students experience and opportunity in technology

• Oversee the whole school ICT budget

Person Specifications

• Be ambitious for the teaching and learning outcomes for all students

• Exceptional IT skills

• Experience of leading and contributing to effective and impactful change using technology

• Deep understanding of trends, best practice and areas for potential innovation in computing and educational technology

• Ability to think strategically and to plan/drive improvements in teaching and learning

• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to adapt to the demands of an international school

• Ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload

• Genuine passion for the use of technology and its potential to enhance learning

• Ability to build confidence and develop capacity in students to make effective and informed use of technology in their classroom practice

• Ability to identify, support and encourage both early adopters in new technology and less confident or eager colleagues

• Ability to work with staff of all year groups to promote the subject and use of technology throughout the school

• A thorough understanding of the requirements for teaching and safeguarding children at this stage

• Flexible and able to use own initiative

• Well organized and good time management skills

• International perspective

• Knowledge of IB and/or IGCSE and A Level examinations

• A sense of humour

Why work at BIS-NY?

Combining the IB, English National Curriculum and Cambridge International Examinations, BIS-NY ‘s unique curriculum inspires and challenges our students to develop a love of learning and develop as balanced individuals, academically successful and willing to take risks to face the challenges of an ever changing world of the 21^st century.

Our students and teachers come from all walks of life, but the enthusiasm they share for learning and teaching helps to foster a unique sense of community that celebrates and thrives on diversity.

The British International School of New York is an IB World School authorised to teach both the PYP and MYP and we are looking to recruit creative and dynamic teachers who can model the IB Learner Profile and will contribute to the daily life of a diverse international community.

 A strong commitment to collaboration and being part of a team is essential for those interested in applying to be part of our school community.

 
Terms:

• Generous salary commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package – medical, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer match.

• Lunch is provided free of charge.

• Subject to fingerprinting and background check.

• Up to $2000 annual contribution to Professional Development costs.

• The post becomes available from September 2020.

• Teaching allocation would be approximately 75% of full time equivalent

The British International School of New York is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.  Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.  All appointments are also subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.