Assistant Principal (West Hempstead)

About the role

Gersh Autism is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Assistant Principal to join our West Hempstead team and support our mission of empowering individuals with autism to thrive. 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Principal in the overall administration and management of the school, ensuring adherence to Gersh Autism’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Process employee timecards through the 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 in and document annual review meetings.
• Supervise and mentor teachers and support staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as an integral partner in creating a positive school culture that promotes student engagement, behavioral support, and social-emotional learning.
• Collaborate with therapists and educators to ensure cohesive and consistent annual review reports that drive 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.

Requirements

• 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

7:45 AM–3:45 PM (and once a week until 4:00 PM for a team meeting).

Benefits

• 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

Pay

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