Francisco Paler-Large

Francisco (Cisco) Paler-Large, LMSW, began his career as a teacher of English, Drama, and International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre Arts before moving into school leadership as the Assistant Principal at Union-Endicott High School and later Principal of Trumansburg Middle School. He went on to serve as Principal of George Junior Republic, leading trauma-informed and highly individualized programs for students with significant behavioral and mental health needs. 

His leadership expanded into residential and county systems as Director of Hard-to-Place Services at the William George Agency and as a Program Management Specialist with Tompkins County Youth Services, where he oversaw youth programs, community planning, and evaluation efforts. Cisco further strengthened his systems expertise as a Behavior Specialist with Syracuse University’s Mid-State Regional Partnership Center as part of the supporting districts in the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), behavior intervention, and disproportionality analysis. Cisco pursued a job as a Behavioral Health Consultant at Cornell University engaging in crisis intervention, assessment, and short-term counseling and medical management. 

Prior to joining NYU Metro Center and the TAP for Equity team, Cisco previously served as an associate at the TAP’s prior home institution of Bank Street College of Education. In this role, he develops statewide training, coaches regional teams, and partners with the New York State Education Department (NYSED)’s Office of Special Education (OSE) to embed culturally responsive, evidence-based practices across districts identified for disproportionate outcomes in special education. Across all roles, Francisco remains committed to building sustainable, equitable systems that support all learners.