Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES

Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES has appointed Erica Sinicropi as Curriculum Coordinator for the Special Education Department, a newly created position designed to enhance curriculum alignment and support for teachers.

“It’s a brand-new position, and it came from a need that we identified as a department for reviewing our current curriculum and making sure it’s aligned to not only standards, but also what students need so it’s relevant and reliable,” Sinicropi explained. “Then, making sure teachers have the professional development opportunities that they need to be able to deliver that curriculum to students in meaningful ways.”

Sinicropi brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a special education teacher for 10 years before transitioning into administration. She has held roles including director of pupil personnel services, director of special education and assistant principal. Most recently, she served as principal of special education at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES for three years before transitioning into this new position in July. In addition, she also works as an adjunct professor at SUNY Oswego in the Educational Leadership program.

Her passion for special education stems from a personal experience. “When I was in high school, I had a locker next to a gentleman who was very fun and charismatic. He struggled academically, he struggled with his behaviors,” she said. “I recognize that he was a great person, he just didn’t have support... he ended up dropping out of school as a result of not having caring adults supporting him through that process. I went into school to be that person that he needed.”

At the heart of her work is a commitment to removing barriers to student success. “Our students face many challenges. The obstacle that I can support in this new position is providing curriculum that is engaging and meaningful to them,” she said. “I think that’s where my continued desire to remove obstacles comes into play.”

Outside of work, Sinicropi enjoys staying involved in her community and spending time with her family, especially attending her children’s sporting events and school activities.