A Special Education Teacher teaches students who have disabilities, and adapts teaching methods to meet the needs of students. Assesses students and helps to develop individualized education plans that specify the services and accommodations needed for each student. Works in a classroom that includes only students with IEPs, or works with students and teachers in regular classes. For students with severe disabilities, may focus on developing skills for independent living. Works as part of a team that includes therapists, school counselors or social workers.
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 - including students who fall behind or have been considered "hard to serve" for a host of reasons. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged Superintendent Jaime Alicea with improving student achievement, and he is seeking a dedicated team of school leaders and teachers to partner with him in moving the district toward its goals. The Syracuse City School District represents 34 schools and 4 alternative education programs, serving 21,000+ students Pre-K-12 of whom 77% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 18% are served by the Office of Special Education and 78% are students of color.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Syracuse City SESIS will work district-wide and directly with schools identified through the NYSED regional planning process to bring and sustain high quality, research-based practices in the areas of literacy, behavioral supports and interventions and specially designed instructional practices to improve outcomes for students with disabilities through the provision of professional development, coaching and consultation. This position is considered a Unit 1 Teacher on Special Assignment.
REPORTS TO
Director of Special Education
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Special Education School Instructional Liasions will work district-wide and with specific schools to: conduct analysis and review of instructional practices utilizing
RSE-TASC
Walk-Through Tool and Quality Indicator Review & Resource Guides developed for this purpose: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/techassist/QIcover.htm ); conduct an analysis of data relating to results for students with disabilities to identify the area(s) of instructional review and improvement for the school district; develop upfront agreements with districts/schools to establish the level and type of commitment the district/school will make to improve and sustain improvements in its instructional programs and practices for students with disabilities; document the professional development & support to be provided directly by the school improvement specialist on the NYSED required Quality Improvement Process (QIP) plan; provide high quality, professional development to the school district in a manner that will lead to district-wide improvement of instructional programs and practices; assure systems of progress monitoring are established and progress is documented; review and revise the QIP as necessary to ensure systemic change is occurring; communicate with the
NYSED SEQA
office on issues and concerns in their work with identified school districts; and submit each QIP to NYSED. Special Education School Improvement Specialists will participate in NYSED directed professional development, statewide meetings as required by NYSED, and as necessary to enhance and maintain knowledge and skills in research-based instructional practices and research based school improvement activities; Special Education School Improvement Specialists will participate in workgroups as established by NYSED, including workgroups to develop, review and revise Quality Indicator Review and Resource Guides ( http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/techassist/QIcover.htm ) Special Education School Improvement Specialists will provide reports of work accountability in the time periods and format required by
NYSED. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in Special Education, Psychology, School Psychology, Reading or Speech and Language - OR - Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, School Psychology, Reading or Speech and Language WITH a Master's degree in education and/or educational administration Five years of direct teaching or related service experience with students with disabilities at the elementary or secondary level in a classroom setting. Knowledge of research-based practices in the areas of literacy instruction, behavioral supports and interventions and specially-designed (special education) instructional practices Knowledge of NYS requirements for Special Education Experience in providing high-quality professional development Experience in implementing school improvement initiatives, consistent with research-based implementation practices Prior demonstration of exemplary attendance is expected of any candidate for hire. Training and/or experience with Culturally Relevant Education preferred.
SALARY/SALARY RANGE
This position is considered a Unit 1 Teacher on Special Assignment. 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 may also have the opportunity to participate in our Summer School Programs, which are compensated at an hourly rate of $45.00.
