Staff Resources

Support and resources for staff as we continue to provide all students with high-quality education during this time. Please see our Staff Re-Open Handbook for more information.

 

Working from Home Structure Your Time Break up your day, set and maintain a daily routine, and try to change your environment for different activities. Set time limits to your work and make sure you make time to unwind! Ergonomics Avoid unnecessary pain with these ergonomic tips!   Physical Health Exercise Don't forget to get your heart rate up!  Incorporate a walk, run, streamed fitness, jumping jacks, etc. into your new routine. Nutrition  Support your immune system and load up on whole foods like vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, fish, whole grains and healthy fats. For more information on nutrition and food safety during the pandemic, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Having difficulty with mindless eating?

Pandemic Stress News & Media Trust credentialed news sources and be wary of what you see on social media. It's important to stay informed, but take breaks from the news and your devices. Coping Outbreaks are stressful and impact everyone differently. Please visit the CDC Mental Health and Coping website for a comprehensive list of coping mechanisms and tools.   Mental Health The psychological impact of quarantine can be great. Take preventative and proactive measures to guard against stress and anxiety (similar to what you do for physical health). Socialize Maintain safe physical distancing, but make sure you're connecting socially. Stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family via phone calls, texts, social media and video conferencing. Practice Mindfulness Try meditation using an app such as Calm or Headspace. Journal by writing a few things you're thankful for each day. Go for a walk and appreciate what you notice in nature. Ask for Help COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline 1-844-863-9314 Excellus BCBS Telemedicine (subscribers only) GuidanceResources First time logging in? Use the SCSD Web ID when registering: SCSDEAP

 

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Best Practices for Teachers and Leaders Consider these readings that might help us to not only renew and reflect, but to also help us to think about what we should stop doing, start doing, do more of and/or do less of.
The Resilient Leader: In the face of change and crisis, the resource we need most is our resilience. Some truly important thoughts here, with great questions we need to be asking to bring out resilience.    Planning the way forward: Focus on students and staff. Simple strategies to focus on students and staff—inform, maintain, celebrate, collaborate. No doubt you are doing these things already--kudos, keep it up.    A fish out of water, just learning how to breathe again. Four (4) simple, practical and thoughtful strategies for leadership in this era of leadership.		Do People Feel You Genuinely Care? Why Empathy Is Crucial To Leading Through Crisis   Leading your people in times of crisis   Four truths for leading in uncertain times

 

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Certification Updates

The New York State Department of Education recognizes the unprecedented challenges that district administrators, teachers, and staff are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak and the need to focus all efforts on supporting the students and families they serve. For this reason, the Department is providing updates related to certification to allow for additional time to complete requirements.
 

Emergency COVID-19 Certificate*
Candidates who are seeking certain certificates and extensions may be eligible for the Emergency COVID-19 certificate, allowing them to work in New York State public schools or districts for one year while taking and passing the required exam(s) for the certificate or extension sought.

*The Office of Human Resources has asks that all employees needing certification to apply for the Emergency COVID-19 no later than July 15, 2020 to ensure employees are certified prior to the start of the school year.


Subject Area Certification
Extension of the Subject Area Certification requirement and SOCE application deadline for special education teachers who teach a special class in grades 7-12.


EdTPA Safety Net
For candidates who are enrolled in a New York State Registered Educator Preparation Program during the COVID-19 crisis in the Spring 2020 and/or Summer 2020 Terms.


Expiring Certificates
Time extensions for Initial Reissuance and Provisional Renewal.
 

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Additional Resources

COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline   |   1-844-863-9314
NYS has opened up a hotline for those looking to speak with mental health professionals during this crisis. There are 6,000 mental health professionals who have volunteered to provide their services for free!

 
No Excuse for Abuse
>> Vera House

>> McMahon Ryan/Child Advocacy Center   


GuidanceResources COVID-19 Resources 
Multi-language resources to keep you, your family and your community safe and healthy. No login required.
>> COVID-19 Resources


Employee Assistance Program
No-cost, 24/7 confidential solutions to life’s challenges. GuidanceResources is a program provided free of charge by the Syracuse City School District that offers someone to talk to and resources to consult whenever and wherever you need them. Services are available to help you and your family members (even those not covered on your healthcare plan).
>> GuidanceResources 
First time logging in? Use the SCSD Web ID when registering: SCSDEAP.