Assistant Principal (Long Island City)

Academy for Young Minds (AYM), powered by Gersh, is seeking an experienced Assistant Principal to join our team and work in our brand new, state-of- the-art School in Long Island City, NY. As an integral part of our leadership team, the Assistant Principal will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and families to provide a structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for students aged 5-21. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for fostering academic, social, and emotional growth among our students. 

Responsibilities: 

• Assist the Principal in the overall administration and management of the school, ensuring adherence to Gersh Autism’s mission and educational philosophy. 

• Employee timecards through payroll system. 

• Supervise instructional programs, evaluate lesson plans, observe classes and encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child development. 

• Participate and document annual review meetings. 

• Supervise and mentor teachers and support staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities. 

• Serve as an integral partner in the work of creating a positive school culture that promotes student engagement, behavioral support, and social-emotional learning. 

• Collaborate with therapists and educators to ensure cohesive and consistency across annual review reports that drives student placements for annual review meetings and impartial hearings. 

• Monitor student progress and provide data-driven recommendations for interventions and curriculum adjustments. 

• Assist with scheduling, resource allocation, and operational planning to maintain an effective learning environment. 

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding special education services. 

• Engage in proactive communication with parents, guardians, and external stakeholders to foster strong school-community relationships. 

• Handle disciplinary matters with a focus on positive behavioral interventions and restorative practices. 

• Participate in school events, professional development, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. 

• State certification in school administration or educational leadership (or eligibility to obtain certification). 

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in special education, preferably working with students with autism. 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in education management, administration, or leadership. 

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills to effectively manage staff, students and families. 

• Experience developing and implementing IEPs, behavior intervention plans, and data-driven instruction. 

• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for supporting students with autism. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team. 

• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills. 

• Familiarity with compliance standards in special education. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in a leadership or administrative role within a special education setting. 

• Training in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. 
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Schedule

• 7:45AM-3:45PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)

Benefits

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development

Salary starts at $100,000, depending on experience and certifications