Head of Stixrud Commons

Overview: 

Kodaikanal International School is a 125-year-old dynamic international school with a rich history of holistic education, offering the IB continuum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP) to our learners. Our beautiful school and community are nestled in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, South India.

At KIS, we empower our students to navigate through life’s challenges to achieve their true potential. We follow an inquiry-based approach that promotes critical thinking, learner agency, and a dedication to serving others. We recognise the importance of a meaningful, relevant, and engaging curriculum that connects students to real-world contexts for their learning. We are keenly aware of the need to adapt our teaching and learning model to respond to the needs of our students in a world of fast-paced change. 

Role:

The Head of Stixrud Commons is a full-time, mid-level leadership position across the whole school, with a focus on the High School, in a school that has its own diploma and is fully integrated with IB Primary Years, Middle Years, Diploma, and Career-related Programmes.  They lead KIS’s Stixrud Commons—a dynamic, future-ready ecosystem that combines traditional library functions with cutting-edge creative and technological spaces, including a makerspace, artificial intelligence lab, extended reality (XR) studio, recording rooms, media production suites, and collaborative learning zones. 

As a teacher-librarian, this leader plays a central role in developing students’ skills associated with information literacy, research, academic integrity, research skills, and other skills related to the ethical use of resources, including both physical and digital sources.  They curate and maintain diverse physical and digital collections to support faculty use in the curriculum across PYP, MYP, DP, and CP, reflecting the school’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning,  sustainability, and international-mindedness.

In addition to pedagogical leadership, the Head of the Stixrud Commons oversees the day-to-day functioning of all spaces, ensuring they operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the school’s mission. They curate both physical and digital resources,  steward the Hub’s budget to ensure that resources, subscriptions, technologies, and equipment are up-to-date, safe, and aligned with school priorities.  They coordinate a team that includes the Ganga Campus Librarian, assistant librarians, the archivist, makerspace/AI/XR technicians, and student interns to accomplish the smooth running of the space.

With a deep commitment to innovation, the Head of Stixrud Commons fosters a culture of exploration, creativity, and responsible technology use, positioning the Commons as a vibrant center for learning, collaboration, experimentation, and discovery. This role requires a balance of educational vision, program coordination, operational oversight, and strong leadership to support students and staff in leveraging emerging technologies and diverse media tools.

About Kodaikanal International School

KIS Vision Statement: We strive to be a school the world needs: Our graduates will be transformative leaders, caring humans and thoughtful ambassadors for a just, sustainable and peaceful world.

KIS Mission Statement: Kodaikanal International School (KIS) is committed to empowering young people from diverse backgrounds with vision, knowledge, compassion and cross-cultural understanding. We are a community that welcomes everyone and seeks our purpose in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

KIS Values: Accountability, Appreciation, Concern for Others, Consistency, Context, Cooperation, Integrity, Openness, Performance, and Reverence.

We are seeking colleagues who are driven by:

• A strong belief in KIS’s guiding statements;
• The IB philosophy;
• Ideas about how to bring these into actualisation;
• Opportunities to contribute to creating a more peaceful world;
• A focus on trust, relationship,s and community. 

Our learning environment is characterised as:

• Inquiry-based learning;
• Active
• Fostering agency in our learners; 
• Transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary;
• Service-oriented;
• Diverse, safe and inclusive.
   

Safeguarding Statement

KIS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care. We support the rights of the child and will act without hesitation to ensure a child-safe environment. We also support the rights and wellbeing of our staff and volunteers and encourage their active participation in building and maintaining a secure environment for all participants. Teachers at KIS must follow the guidelines of the school’s protective behavior policies and protocols, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees.

Qualifications & Experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.A (or equivalent) in Library and Information Science; 
• Experience in educating students in an international school setting
• Possess a high degree of fluency and accuracy in written and spoken English

Preferred Qualifications:

• An advanced degree - Masters 
• Recent and relevant professional development in teaching and learning

Preferred Experience: 

• Proven experience working with teams, as well as being independent, self-directed and creative
• Proven leadership experience demonstrating skills to motivate and support supervisees
• Experience with cross-cultural integration and adjustment
• Experience working in a school library, including teaching information and digital literacy; 
• Experience in acquiring library and textbook resources, with IB programs preferred 
• Experience working with library systems management, including cataloguing and classifying; experience with KOHA is valued.
• Experienced working with youth ages 11-18

Preferred Skills and Dispositions:

• Able and willing to stay up-to-date with IB school library standards and best practices, as well as with age-appropriate literature for grades 9-12
• Highly skilled in computers, particularly with databases, social media, the internet and artificial intelligence
• Possess a strong interest and confidence in teaching and learning
• Enthusiastic about interacting with grade 9-12 students from diverse backgrounds, and have a strong desire to be of service to students and teachers
• Excellent verbal/non-verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Willing to work creatively with available materials/ resources
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills with persons from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities
• Possess strong time management and organizational skills
• Proven ability to be a team player
• Strong pedagogical emphasis on academic integrity

Reports to: Vice Principal
Coordinates with: Head of High School Division, Program Coordinators, and Heads of Departments
Time Period: Initial 2-year contract, potential extensions after initial contract

Responsibilities

Instruction (Teacher-Librarian Role)
A KIS staff member is expected to provide quality instruction for the students at KIS in accordance with the school’s established curriculum, school policies, and expectations. The person in this role:

• Collaborate with teachers across MYP, DP, and CP to design and co-teach lessons in research skills, media literacy, digital literacy, academic integrity, research skills, and information ethics.
• Support student inquiry by guiding access to print, digital, and emerging technology resources.
• Lead meaningful lessons on the use of Extended Reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, media equipment, and makerspace technologies.
• Lead workshops for students and teachers on digital citizenship, academic honesty, research skills, and ethical technology use.
• Assist students in developing independent study and research methodologies, including support for extended essays and personal projects.
• Train teachers and students in the use of the physical and digital library resources.
• Monitor student behavior and activity across the Stixrud Commons, including when supervising study halls.

Technology and Innovation Oversight

• Collaborate with the Innovation/AI Coach to lead integration of emerging technologies (XR, AI, robotics, engineering tools, etc.) into student learning experiences and guide teachers who need help in the use of technology in the classroom.
• Collaborate with the Design Teacher / Makerspace Technician to lead the integration of design thinking and hands-on projects into student learning experiences and guide teachers who need help in the use of the makerspace.
• Develop innovation challenges, design thinking activities, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities and challenges for the community.
• Promote responsible and creative use of technology in line with school values and safeguarding expectations.

Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee daily functioning of all Stixrud Common spaces: library, study hall, design studio, XR studio, AI lab, recording studios, and media rooms.
• Develop and monitor schedules, booking systems, and usage protocols to ensure equitable access.
• Ensure spaces are safe, well-organized, and maintained to professional standards.
• Develop and support operational policies and user guidelines for resources, equipment, tools, and spaces.

Collection Development & Resource Curation

• Curate and maintain diverse physical and digital collections aligned with curriculum needs and global perspectives.
• Oversee subscriptions for databases, AI learning tools, digital media resources, and academic research platforms.
• Regularly evaluate resource relevance, accessibility, and alignment with school guiding statements.
• Implement systems for cataloguing, circulation, and digital resource management.
• Maintain the book collections, and ensure that it meets the needs of all and are communicated and marketed properly
• In collaboration with the KISCO Department, ensure the Stixrud Commons website and social media are up-to-date and well-developed
• Ensuring all operations of the archives are effectively managed

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Innovative Hub of Learning.
• Plan for strategic purchases, upgrades, and replacement of equipment.
• Ensure cost-effective use of funds and maintain accurate inventory and asset records.
• Oversee procurement of books, digital resources, fabrication materials, and tech equipment.

Community Engagement & Culture Building

• Promote the Stixrud Commons as a vibrant community space for learning, creativity, and interdisciplinary exploration.
• Coordinate exhibitions, author visits, innovation showcases, workshops, and student-led events.
• Collaborate with IT, academic leaders, and department heads to strengthen school-wide learning experiences.
• Encourage student leadership and participation in Commons initiatives (e.g., tech teams, library councils, innovation clubs).
• Support KIS guiding principles
• Support the residential life of the school by chaperoning activities and sponsoring clubs

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise assistant librarians, the archivist, makerspace technicians, XR studio technician, and student workers/interns.
• Provide professional development, coaching, and performance guidance to the Stixrud Commons team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, service, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the school’s primary point of contact for library and innovation spaces.
• Supervise the running of the makerspace and ensure appropriate training, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance.

School Organisation
A KIS educator is expected to work in a positive, professional, supportive manner and develop a collaborative and team approach to enable the school to achieve its stated mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. 
The Head of Stixrud Commons:

• Maintains accurate records for unit planning, assessment, and attendance 
• Is familiar with all school and department procedures as appropriate
• Actively participates in faculty and departmental meetings, including those when students are not on campus
• Participates in professional development opportunities, departmental meetings, planning, in-service training activities, and invigilation duties as required by the coordinators
• Sets and engages in professional goal setting that is aligned with the school’s strategic direction
• Reads all staff bulletins for the whole school and their own division, as well as other memoranda from administration; checks and responds to emails within 24 hours
• At all times, conducts school business in a professional and ethical manner
• Is familiar with the school’s teaching resources, safeguards the loss/damage of the school equipment and materials, and hands over all relevant material to the Subject Chair / Coordinator upon departure from KIS
• Prepares, marks, writes reports, and performs all other administrative tasks related to the teaching of the subject(s).
• Is available to support students outside of regularly scheduled class times.
• Promptly passes information to advisors, residential Parents and Coordinators when the student’s attendance, academic performance or behaviour is praiseworthy or gives cause for concern.
• Assists the administration and subject colleagues in covering classes and duties as needed

School Community
A KIS teacher is expected to support the holistic development of the child. The Head of Stixrud Commons: 

• Understands and supports the diversity of the school community and students’ backgrounds
• Works in a positive, cooperative, and supportive way with students, parents, co-workers, and other stakeholders
• Communicates regularly with students, residential parents, and students’ parents on matters of school business
• Engages in and supports activities that help promote school spirit and a sense of community
• Promotes opportunities for developing community involvement throughout the wider community
• Recognizes the importance of service learning to our community and promotes it throughout the community
• Support the residential life of the school by chaperoning activities, clubs, field trips, camp, long weekend field day, etc.

Other
The Head of Stixrud Commons also:

• Supports, promotes, and enforces the ethos of KIS as defined in the Mission Statement, Guiding Principles and strategic plans.
• Promotes a positive attitude about the school with all members of the school community
• Implements decisions made in department and school committee meetings, as relevant to the department.
• Follows the guidelines of the school’s protective behaviour policies and protocols and personal data protection policies and procedures, including reporting any situation that might constitute a health and/or safety hazard to students or school employees, and reporting any personal data breach.
• Respects the confidential nature of discussions at staff meetings and other contexts in which sensitive information is likely to be communicated, particularly in terms of interaction with students.
• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned by the subject chair, coordinator, Vice Principal, or Principal.
   

Application Process:

1. Download Application Form >> KIS Administrative Position Application Form
2. Fill-in the required information
3. Use the form below to submit your application along with your resume

Please note that applications that do not include the application form and a resume will not be considered.