Becoming an Athletic Coach in Niskayuna
The New York State Education Department considers coaching a secondary school athletic team to be an extension of the physical education program. As such, pursuant to Board of Education Policy 7420, the Niskayuna Central School District employs only “certified or licensed staff to coach all varsity, junior varsity, freshman and modified practices and games.” All coach appointments are sport specific for one season only. Any returning coach much be appointed by the Board of Education prior to the start of the following season. As such, all coach vacancies will be posted as “anticipated” each spring for the following school year. The Athletic Director is responsible for recommending that an individual be appointed to coach a particular sport. Coach vacancies will remain posted until the Board appoints a coach for the sport in question. No coach will be appointed without the proper coaching credentials and no coach will be permitted to coach Niskayuna students without demonstrating that he or she has completed all of the requirements to coach.
Current Openings
Current coaching position openings in the district can be found on our Employment page (scroll down to the Coaching Positions area). Postings contain information about the application process.
New York State Coaching Requirements
Licensing Application Process
1. Apply online for a coaching license – Click on the “Teach – Online Services” symbol. If you do not have an account, you must create one.
2. Once the login is complete, click “Apply for Certificate.”
3. The area of interest for coaching is “Other School Service.” The subject area is “Coaching 7-12.” The title is the sport you are seeking a license in. Most first time coaching applicants select “Temporary Coaching License.” Finally, select the Capital Region BOCES to review your application.
Fingerprinting
All applicants for a coaching license and/or employment in the Niskayuna Central School District must undergo a fingerprint supported criminal history background check before engaging with students in a coaching capacity. This background check usually takes a few days, but can take longer if there is an issue that requires further review by NYSED. The Office of Human Resources makes the arrangements for the fingerprinting process. Any questions about the process should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.
Other Workshops or Coursework
- First Aid & CPR – Niskayuna Central School District staff are certified to provide this training. Contact the Athletic Department for details.
- DASA (Dignity for All Students) – The DASA course is a 6-hour in-person training workshop. Some providers are: Capital Region BOCES (Cost $80), Burnt-Hills, Ballston Lake Central School District ($70), Washington Saratoga Warren Hamilton Essex BOCES (Cost $100), Galway Central School District (Cost $60).
- Child Abuse – This is a 2-hour course that may be taken online (FREE)
- School Violence/S.A.V.E. – This is a 2-hour course that may be taken online. Some providers are: Greater Southern Tier BOCES (Cost $23) and private providers such as http://www.violenceworkshop.com/ (Cost $50) and www.workshopexpress.com (Cost $49.95).
- College Coursework – These courses are not need for the first Temporary Coaching License, but are needed for future renewals as noted below. The Niskayuna Athletic Department can assist with locating providers for the following courses: Philosophy, Principles & Organization of Athletics (Must be completed within 2 years of the 1st temporary coaching license); Health Sciences Applied to Coaching (Must be completed within 5 years of the 1st temporary coaching license); and Theory and Techniques of Coaching in Education (Must be completed within 5 years of the 1st temporary coaching license).
Questions
For further information on how the become a coach, please contact:
- Niskayuna Central School District Athletic Department: (518) 382-2511, Option 3
- Niskayuna Central School District Office of Human Resources: (518) 377-4666, ext. 50740
- Capital Region BOCES – Regional Certification Officer: (518) 862-4942