Albany High School has a new Leadership Academy principal.
The Board of Education appointed Syene Cooper, Ph,D., during its Sept. 23 meeting. He starts his new official duties on Monday.
Dr. Cooper spent the last four years as principal of the day and residential programs Martin De Porres High School in Valley Stream. The school serves students with behavioral and emotional challenges. At the same time, he was an adjunct professor of general and special education at Touro College Graduate School of Psychology and Education.
His experience spans the spectrum of early childhood through grade 12.
Before becoming principal at Martin De Porres, Dr. Cooper served as the assistant director of early childhood educational services and family child-care providers at Hamilton-Madison House. He also was principal of Roosevelt Children’s Academy Charter School and assistant principal at the Ethel and Samuel J. Le Frak School at Lighthouse International Child Development Center.
Prior to his work as an administrator, Dr. Cooper served as an early education teacher, a special education teacher and director of a day care center. He was also a consultant to City University of New York campuses and the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene’s Bureau of Child Care.
Dr. Cooper earned his bachelor’s in psychology and education from New York Institution of Technology, a master’s in industrial organizational psychology/organizational behavior and development from Brooklyn College, a master’s in education and supervision and his school building leadership certification from Touro College, and a doctorate in education curriculum and instruction from Capella University. He earned his school district leadership certification from Lehman College.
He replaces Andrea Marques-Clarke, who will return to her post as principal of Abrookin Career and Technical Center.
In addition, Julie Barber has been appointed as principal of Discovery Academy. She replaces Richard Shea, who left the post in July.
