Special Education Teacher

Job Description

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color. 


REPORTS TO: Building Principal

WHO WE WANT:

Successful SCSD educators are passionately committed to urban education and all in for Syracuse students. They:

• Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;
• Demonstrate commitment to serving urban students, schools or communities, and to closing the achievement gap;
• Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;
• Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in their school and district;
• Adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the urban school environment; and
• Follow current trends in education policy and research, including Common Core standards, comprehensive assessment systems and data-driven instruction.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Reporting to the principal, the teacher ensures that all their students achieve ambitious academic outcomes. The teacher must effectively: 

• Plan data-driven, standards-aligned and differentiated units, lessons and activities; 
• Deliver clear, accurate and rigorous lessons with a range of instructional and formative assessment techniques;
• Establish and maintain a supportive, productive and positive learning environment with strong classroom management practices; and 
• Monitor and communicate about student progress while engaging in continuous reflection, adjustment and professional development.
• The teacher will perform additional related duties as required.

For further details on our expectations for classroom educators, explore the Danielson Framework for Teaching. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• New York State teacher certification (or eligibility by start date); out-of-state licensed teachers may qualify through reciprocity.

• Strong record of reliability and professionalism.

• Proven ability to accelerate student learning and use data to inform instruction.

• Demonstrated skill in creating an inclusive, well-managed classroom environment.

• Commitment to culturally responsive teaching and continuous professional growth.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners.

• Strong communication skills and adaptability to meet diverse student needs.

• Strong record of reliability and professionalism.

• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a fingerprint-based background check (per NYS requirements).

• City residents are encouraged to apply!
  
   

SALARY/SALARY RANGE

• Compensation is based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the Unit 1 contractual agreement and ranges from $59,499-$102,037 for the 2026-2027 school year.
  *Any non-certified long-term substitute will be paid $53,000.
• Teachers of color or those with experience and a deep background in Urban Education may qualify for the District's Urban Fellowship Program.