Job Description

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is On the Rise! We are 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-K–12. 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.

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

Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI) in the Syracuse City School District are itinerant service providers. Each of our TVIs travel between building to provide services, consult with classroom teachers and administrators as well as ensure that each visually impaired student on the caseload has the appropriate materials and equipment to succeed in their classroom. Duties of the selected candidate will include:

• Conduct functional vision assessments of children
• Prepare and present formal reports to the Committee on Special Education in regard to the vision needs of individual students
• Review all medical reports which correspond with the student’s visual status
• Consult with general and special educators regarding the selection of specific materials and program modifications required by the student
• Assess the student’s need for specialized materials and equipment
• Arrange for the selection and purchase (if necessary) of adaptive equipment required by the student
• Provide direct instruction in Braille as needed
• Provide regular therapy as designated by the IEP to visually impaired students
• Provide ongoing consultation to teachers and teaching assistants who work with low vision and blind students
• Develop comprehensive IEPs for low vision and blind students
• Participate in parent conferences and communicate with parents on a regular basis
• Review and update IEPs to meet the needs of visually impaired students

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 may also have the opportunity to participate in our Summer School Programs, which are compensated at an hourly rate of $45.00.