Administration Team
Principal Mahendra Singh
Prior to arriving at QIRT in 2019, his career began as a school counselor and then continued as an assistant principal in the springfield gardens community for over a decade. As an educator for over thirteen years he has vast experiences establishing instructional and school culture programs that enhances each child’s academic, social, emotional and postsecondary pathways which focuses on closing achievement gaps and supporting equity for all.
Principal Singh is a caribbean american immigrant, a queens native and a product of the new york city public school system. Principal Singh enjoys teaching graduate students who are aspiring school counselors at Queens College, CUNY. As an adjunct professor he often spends time on weekends lesson planning, grading, giving feedback like many of our dedicated teachers at QIRT. Principal Singh also enjoys spending time playing basketball, video games and time with his two young children. Principal Singh supports all aspects of our school community, serves on our campus council, works with community partners, district offices, supports our english, music and 12th grade team.
Principal Singh is passionate about the high quality of education each child should receive and believes it is our purpose as a school community to continuously reflect on our core beliefs of how students learn best. Principal Singh strongly believes in the cycle of continuous improvement and setting CEP goals that focus on strengthening our core instruction, school culture while leverage resources so each child is individually supported in achieving our high expectations at QIRT.
College: Queens College, CUNY
Member of QIRT since 2019
Areas of Responsibility:
Assistant Principals
School cabinet
Campus building council
English and music departments
12th grade team
Community school initiatives
School visits
AP Shanique Nelson
In August of 2008, Ms. Nelson became one of the first teachers to be hired at Queens High School for Information, Research, and Technology (QIRT), four short years after graduating as Valedictorian of Far Rockaway High School. As a Far Rockaway High School alum, Ms. Nelson returned to serve the very community that provided her with many opportunities. As a woman of Caribbean descent, Ms. Nelson recognized the importance of serving as an example to the students she would interact with daily. Ms. Nelson began her career as a Special Education Teacher because of her dedication to closing the achievement gap. Her commitment to teaching, equity, and enthusiasm for continuous growth was evident early on in her career and soon expanded her role within the QIRT community. Ms. Nelson has experience educating students with disabilities in various subjects, serving as the Special Education Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, Coordinator of Student Activities, and has sat on various teams over the years including serving as the chairperson of the School Leadership Team. Ms. Nelson also played a critical role in bringing the community schools initiative to QIRT in 2013 and currently serves as a member of the United Community Schools Advisory Board.
As an Assistant Principal, her work is grounded in passion and a commitment to the students, families, and staff she serves. Ms. Nelson motivates and encourages those around her to think critically and be reflective through her questioning and belief that all students can learn and deserve a quality education. Ms. Nelson has a passion for learning, equity, instructional leadership, organization, and fostering positive relationships to ensure the success of all students.
Colleges: Stony Brook University, Queens College & Bank Street College of Education
Member of QIRT since 2008
Areas of Responsibility:
Instructional Leadership
Special Education & Testing
Mathematics
Professional Development
Student Activities
Family Engagement
AP Matthew Levine
College: Hofstra University
At QIRT Since 2014
Initiatives Overseen:
Programming
Budget and Finances
Attendance
Testing
AP for All
Social Studies
English Language Learners
Foreign Language
AP Robert Reiman
After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Reiman took a circuitous route to becoming an educator. He held jobs such as landscaper, beverage delivery and bus driver before returning to college in 2003. He joined QIRT as a substitute teacher in 2010 before being hired full time as a Social Studies teacher for the 2010-11 school year. Mr. Reiman primarily taught Global History but has also taught Research, Advisory and US History. Before becoming an Assistant Principal for the 2021-22 school year, he served as a Dean for several years as well. Mr. Reiman has been the Department Lead for Social Studies helping to lead many transitions throughout the years such as the shift to Common Core and the new NYS Regents Exams in Global and US History. He has been a member of many school committees including serving as the SLT Chairperson, a member of the UCS Advisory Board, a member of the Instructional Leadership Team and UFT Chapter Leader.
Mr. Reiman believes that all students can be high achieving students and it is important that all educators have high expectations for the students at QIRT. The best way to achieve this goal is through a holistic approach where students can develop physically, socially, emotionally and academically. Mr. Reiman strives to build positive relationships with the students and their families as well as members of the QIRT community both inside and outside of the school building.