Technology Integration Specialist: What is the Job Description?

Now more than ever, schools are using technology in various aspects of teaching, communication between staff or staff and students, class schedules, and more. For teachers who already have a tremendous workload, learning how to use a tech tool, no matter how useful it is, may seem overwhelming. This is why a technology integration specialist can have such an important role in any school. They take the lead in technology initiatives, often promoting the use of technology, while helping staff and administration ease into the use of a particular tool. Typically, they will also work in the curriculum development stage, possibly with the curriculum coordinator, to work available technology into the curriculum, making the best use of available tools.

• Often a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and degree or licensure in Instructional Technology
• Previous teaching experience may be preferred

• Helping assist staff members, administration, and students with the school’s technology, including accruing and creating resources to help them learn
• Assisting in helping weave technology into the curriculum, and possibly the development of lesson plans
• Be able to assess staff members, and students on their understanding and skill level when it comes to technology
• Use and teach technology usage in a way that meets the needs and matches the goals of the district

Collaboration is a necessary skill for this position. A tech integration specialist will work with teachers in all departments, support staff, and administration, district-wide. They are also often the go-between for the school district and tech company.

Up-to-date knowledge of current technology, what it is, and how to use it. In order to assist others with technology, they need to have a thorough understanding of it themselves. Staying up-to-date will also keep them alert to emerging technology that could be useful within the school.

Though not necessary, many schools may prefer that a candidate for this position has previous teaching experience. This can be helpful because they may be required to not just support others, but teach classes, possibly to students as well. Previous teaching experience shows they understand the skills needed to do so, and may help in their understanding of and collaboration with teachers as well.

Forward-thinking, seeking out new technologies and strategies that may be of use to the school, is part of this job as well. Seeking improvement and looking for ways to create positive change is part of what sets a technology integration specialist apart from being just a support role. They are change-makers.

It’s not easy to keep up with ever-changing technology. And a technology integration specialist has many responsibilities. Besides trying to give instruction to other staff, and possibly students, they have much learning to do themselves, as well as troubleshooting and managing the school’s tech resources. It can be challenging to balance all of this effectively. However, many of the challenges are what makes this job interesting.

This is a job that will involve communicating with others at every level within a district — from students to administration. This being the case, a tech integration specialist will be busy with a variety of tasks, and be able to have the rewarding job of helping others be successful. And as mentioned, technology is ever-changing. Though it may not be easy to keep up at all times, this is a position that will certainly never become stagnant. Just as they will be teaching others, a tech integration specialist will also be constantly learning as well, and seeking improvement.