Dean of Students LEAP Program (2026 - 2027)

Syracuse City Schools; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

$7,500 stipend added to salary

Job summary

The Syracuse City School District seeks a Dean of Students for the LEAP program (2026-2027) to lead in an alternative setting. The role emphasizes holistic support, collaboration with families and community partners, and data-driven instruction to close achievement gaps.

Training in TCIS and other therapeutic settings will be completed over summer 2026. The position requires NY State Level I–III certification and a fingerprint background check.

Qualifications

• NY State teaching certificates required (Level I–III).
• Willingness to participate in TCIS and therapeutic setting training.
• Must pass fingerprint-based background check at cost to candidate.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic support to students and families addressing academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues, parents and community partners to create a cohesive educational experience.
• Utilize data to inform instruction, track progress and implement evidence-based strategies.
• Develop and implement innovative teaching methods to engage students and improve outcomes.
• Engage in continuous professional learning and adapt to evolving student needs.
• Assist in program development to enhance student commitment to learning and safety.
• Support school goals through instructional leadership activities as directed by the principal.

Skills

Collaboration

Data-driven instruction

Holistic student support

Creativity

Adaptability

Lifelong learning

Education

New York State Level I/II/III teaching certificate

Job description

Dean of Students LEAP Program (2026 - 2027)

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 - 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 the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and he is seeking a dedicated and diverse 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 19,000+ students Pre-K-12 of whom 77% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 22% are served by the Office of Special Education and 78% 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.

Position Overview:

The Learning, Exploring, Achieving and Progressing (LEAP) program is seeking dedicated and passionate elementary Dean to join our innovative educational team in an alternative setting. The ideal candidate will be committed to supporting students and their families through a holistic, integrated approach, fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. This position requires Therapeutic Crisis Intervention System (TCIS) training and other relevant therapeutic setting training over the summer of 2026.

Key Responsibilities:

• Holistic Support: Provide comprehensive support to students and their families, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, parents, and community partners to create a cohesive and supportive educational experience.
• Data Utilization: Utilize data effectively to inform instruction, track student progress, and implement evidence-based strategies.
• Innovation and Creativity: Develop and implement creative and innovative teaching methods to engage students and enhance learning outcomes.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning by staying current with educational research, attending professional development opportunities, and integrating new knowledge into practice.
• Flexibility: Adapt to the diverse and evolving needs of students, providing personalized and flexible support to ensure their success.
• Therapeutic Practices: Apply TCIS and other therapeutic techniques to manage crises and support students' emotional and behavioral development.

Essential Job Functions:

• Involvement in student discipline and supervising extracurricular activities
• Evidence of ability to create positive connections with students
• Development of programs to enhance student commitment to learning while promoting safety and harmony
• Establish and enforce high standards for excellence with students, teachers, and staff
• Effectively plan and take action to achieve goals and objectives under the direction of the principal
• Other duties as assigned, which may include instructional leadership (e.g., coaching, mentoring, walkthroughs) as required to meet school goals

Attributes:

• Passionate about holistic and integrated student support
• Strong collaborator with a team-oriented mindset
• Skilled in using data to drive instructional decisions
• Creative and innovative thinker and problem solver
• Lifelong learner dedicated to continuous improvement
• Flexible and responsive to the needs of students

Teachers accepting the positions are required to participate in:

• TCIS training and other Therapeutic Setting Training
• Personalized Learning Plan Development work with Impact Coaches

Certificate Requirements:

• New York State Level I, Level II, Level III, Pre-Professional, or Continuing teaching assistant certificate is required.
• The successful candidate will be required to pass a fingerprint-based background check, at the cost of $102.50 to the candidate.
• City Residents are encouraged to apply!

Compensation:

• This position includes a $7,500 stipend added to salary