CTE Teacher - Media Productions

The Utica City School District announces a vacancy in the following area:

Career and Technical Education (CTE) - Media Productions

CTE Description:     Join our innovative team as a Career and Technical Education teacher, where hands-on learning meets industry expertise. Step into a modern, well equipped environment that prepares students for real-world success and rewarding careers. Develop and deliver engaging, skills-based lessons that connect academic theory with practical applications. Collaborate with local industry partners to ensure curriculum relevance and promote workforce readiness. Be a catalyst for student achievement and a key contributor to shaping the future of our community.

If you have industry experience and are interested in transitioning into teaching, the UCSD will guide you through the certification process to obtain your teaching credentials. NYS offers alternative certification pathways which allow professionals to teach while completing necessary coursework.Our district is committed to supporting you every step of the way as you embark on this rewarding career.

Job Title: CTE Media Productions Teacher

CTE Pathway: Media Productions

Job Summary:

The Utica City School District is seeking a creative and experienced CTE Media Productions Teacher to lead an engaging and hands-on media program. This position requires an educator with industry expertise in video production, digital storytelling, broadcasting, and multimedia content creation. The ideal candidate will develop and implement a curriculum that prepares students for careers in media, communications, film, and television by combining theoretical knowledge with practical, project-based learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Instruction & Curriculum Development:

• Design and deliver a comprehensive media production curriculum that aligns with New York State CTE standards and industry practices.
• Teach students foundational and advanced concepts in video production, scriptwriting, camera operation, editing, sound design, lighting, animation, and digital storytelling.
• Provide hands-on training with industry-standard software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, etc.) and equipment (cameras, microphones, lighting setups, etc.).
• Incorporate project-based learning where students create real-world media projects, including short films, news broadcasts, podcasts, and digital advertisements.
• Guide students in preparing professional media portfolios that showcase their skills for college or career opportunities.

Technical Training & Lab Management:

• Maintain and manage media production labs, broadcasting studios, and editing suites, ensuring all equipment is functional and up to date.
• Teach students proper handling and care of professional filming, audio, and editing equipment.
• Ensure a safe and organized learning environment, adhering to industry safety protocols.

Student Assessment & Career Readiness:

• Evaluate student progress through practical projects, presentations, and technical skill assessments.
• Provide individualized feedback and mentorship to help students refine their creative and technical abilities.
• Support students in earning industry-recognized certifications and pursuing internships or entry-level roles in media production.

Industry & Community Engagement:

• Develop partnerships with media companies, broadcasting stations, advertising agencies, and film studios to provide students with internships and career opportunities.
• Organize guest speakers, field trips, and real-world production experiences with industry professionals.
• Stay up to date with emerging trends in media production and integrate new technologies, techniques, and industry best practices into the curriculum.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Industry Experience: A minimum of two years of professional experience in media production, film, broadcasting, digital content creation, or a related field.
• Education: An associate or bachelor’s degree in media production, film studies, communications, digital media, or a related discipline is preferred. Candidates with a high school diploma and substantial industry experience may qualify for a Transitional A Certificate.
• Certification: Willingness to obtain or maintain a New York State CTE teaching certification (district-supported professional development available).

Technical & Teaching Skills:

• Proficiency with professional-grade video and audio recording equipment, studio lighting, green screens, and digital editing software.
• Strong understanding of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and digital content strategy.
• Excellent communication, classroom management, and mentoring skills.
• Ability to integrate emerging media trends such as drone videography, augmented reality, and interactive content into the curriculum.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching or training experience in media production, journalism, or digital communications is highly desirable.
• Industry certifications (Adobe, Apple Final Cut Pro, etc.).

Please note: The District cannot officially hire any individual without the proper certification; however, we are here to help support and guide you on the path to certification.

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. 

Qualifications: Appropriate N.Y.S. Teaching Certification 

Salary Range  Per U.T.A. Contract:

$42,086-$80,1845 (without a Master's Degree)

$45,011-$95,002 (with a Master's Degree)

Teachers are afforded the opportunity to earn above base salary if they choose to participate in 

• extended learning time programs
• additional class coverages
• summer programming opportunities
• act as club advisors and/or coaches. 

The Utica City School District offers a comprehensive benefits package.  

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

The Utica City School District will only be accepting 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. *

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.

Salary : $42,086 - $95,002