Maximilian Trunz, Nassau BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School’s new Assistant Principal, is a gifted special educator, administrator and behavior analyst. He has been devoted to the special needs population since early in life. For him, it is more than a career; it’s his calling.
Mr. Trunz began his educational career long before he entered the workforce or even college. As a teenager, he helped a local family whose twelve-year-old son was challenged with autism spectrum disorder. He helped this young man to accomplish daily life activities, such as getting dressed and riding his bike. When the time came, Mr. Trunz helped him get into a residential program. In the end, it was this experience that inspired the future educator to pursue a career in special education.
Mr. Trunz launched his professional career at the Brookville Center for Children’s Services, where he served six years as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In this capacity, he developed and implemented behavior intervention plans and individualized education plans, as well as an activities of daily living program to assist students in developing independence and life skills.
From Brookville, Mr. Trunz moved into the New York City School System, where he worked as a Behavior Management Specialist and BCBA at The Riverview School for K-12 students on a varying spectrum of special needs. Throughout his career, Mr. Trunz has served as a home educator, providing in-home instruction and behavior intervention services. In this role, he worked with families of students with developmental disabilities to help them implement academic, social and behavioral plans within the home.
“I love working with children who are faced with behavioral and communication challenges,” Mr. Trunz said of his life as a special educator. “My mantra is, ‘all behavior is a form of communication.’ Thus, the best way to support these students is to empower them with the ability to speak and use their voice.”
Mr. Trunz holds a master’s degree from Long Island University, with dual certification in general and special education. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University and also studied at the Florida Institute of Technology. He holds certification in school building leadership from The Center for Integrated Training and Education at the College of St. Rose; is certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board; and earned certification in the teaching of students with disabilities, as well as in childhood education
“I’ve always been really passionate about special education,” Mr. Trunz said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to cultivate a supportive learning community for our students and families. It’s the most meaningful work that I could possibly do.”
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