The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The District’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools -- Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

The Utica City School District is pleased to announce a district-level administrative opening: Director of Secondary Education (Grades 7-12). This position is governed by the provisions set forth in the contractual agreement between the Utica Administrators Association and the Utica City School District. This is a 12-month position. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) is responsible to Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the administration and supervision of every facet of the District's operation that directly impacts student learning for grades 7-12. This will include monitoring of classroom instruction, professional development, management of all internal and external assessment data, and curriculum development for all subject areas. Particular emphasis shall be on the consistent articulation of the program across classrooms and schools. 

The Director of Secondary Education is part of the team responsible for the instructional program provided to approximately 6,000 pupils in grades 7 through 12 and provides leadership and coordination for the development and implementation of grades 7-12 curriculum and instruction. Responsibility also includes leadership of full and part-time instructional staff. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position):

The Director of Secondary Education shall be responsible for supporting the collaborative work of educators including such instructional and curriculum committees assigned to the Director as are necessary to establish a well-coordinated program of education from grades 7 through 12. 

The Director of Secondary Education should exercise specific leadership in the following designated areas: 

• Leads, administers, coordinates and supervises the instructional program in all 7 through 12 schools.
• Designs, realigns, and continually monitors curricula to improve student learning.
• Keeps the curriculum and instruction programs up to date with particular emphasis on evaluating new developments in research as well as federal and state requirements.
• Assists in the supervision and coordination of a program of orientation for new teachers and embedded training for experienced teachers.
• Assists in training, coaching, and organizing of building principals and staff in collaborative district and building data analysis teams.
• Supports the work of learning coaches and instructional support personnel.
• Coordinates testing and scoring of external and internal assessments.
• Observes and evaluates instructional staff according to a pre-established schedule with other administrators.
• Facilitates and attends teacher team, department, and faculty meetings in coordination with building principals.
• Assists in the coordination and lead systems for the selection of instructional materials and textbooks.
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in the interviewing process for all instructional staff.
• Assists the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in preparation and presentation of Board of Education reports.
• Attends BOCES and other related meetings on behalf of the District as directed by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
• Provides ongoing program of staff supervision and evaluation which promotes the subject area improvement of instruction.
• Assists in coordinating professional development opportunities in the district.
• Works cooperatively with college and university administrators in the supervision of student teachers.
• Oversees homebound instruction for grades 7-12.
• Oversees the implementation of mental health services and supports for grades 7-12
• Performs other duties assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the Superintendent of Schools.

*All interested candidates must apply through our online platform: https://uticaschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

The Utica City School District will only accept applications through this site. Please note, you must create an online account in order to apply. If you have questions relating to the application process, please contact Chief Human Resources Officer, Sara Klimek at sklimek@uticaschools.org. *

• Candidate must possess a valid New York State certificate as School Administrator and Supervisor or School Building Leader.
• Must have experience as a school building leader or Central Office Administrator
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate

To apply for this position, click on the link below:

Director of Secondary Education (Grades7-12)

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We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.

About Utica City School District

The Utica City School District is a NYS Public School serving children grades K-12. The District strives for academic excellence while meeting its diverse population's needs. The Utica City School District is home to students from all over the world. We have approximately 43 different languages spoken throughout our thirteen schools. We are composed of 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school that is in the process of expanding a full CTE wing. Employee candidates tend to be drawn to UCSD because of its rich culture, welcoming environment, and geographic proximity to the Adirondacks.

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