NEW YORK- John W. Lee, Ed.D., a former top official at the New York City Department of Education (DOE), will join the faculty at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education as a visiting associate professor this fall.
Lee served as superintendent of the Queens high schools, the largest school district in New York City, from 1997 to 2003, supervising 36 schools and serving more than 75,000 students. Under his leadership, the district was actively involved in various school reform efforts, including the creation of several new small high schools.
While serving as superintendent, Lee was an active member of the Fordham University Superintendents’ Network, which offers a professional learning community and support environment to collaborating administrators. He has taught graduate education courses at several New York City colleges and universities, including Baruch College, Pace University and St. John’s University. Lee also served the DOE as executive director of the Office of Student Enrollment Planning and Operations, with responsibility for high school admissions, zoning, transfers, NCLB choice and community school board affairs.
Lee recently completed New York University’s executive doctoral program in educational administration and leadership. His dissertation, “A Study in Principal-Superintendent Partnerships,” focused on the emerging dynamic in principal and superintendent relationships, given current trends in educational leadership.
A product of New York City public schools and City College of New York, Lee began his career as a high school English teacher, then served as an assistant principal, high school principal and deputy superintendent before assuming his position as superintendent.
