Dr. Jade K. Carter
Executive Director
The Horizon School
2018 15th. Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 205-322-6606
Fax: 205-322-6605
E-mail: jkcarter@horizonsschool.org
Website: www.horizonsschool.org
Favorite Quote: "It's what we learn after we think we know it all that counts.” - Kim Hubbard
Company/Organization Brief Mission : We offer non-degree, postsecondary programs for young adults with specific learning disabilities and other handicapping conditions as they transition to personal, social and career independence.
Job Description: Develop, implement and evaluate the Horizons School program and staff. Set and monitor annual goals and objectives. Complete long-range planning and development activities. Develop, implement and evaluate all school policies and procedures. Evaluate all financial plans, budgets and school needs. Assure that financial resources are available to the school including fund-raising and capital campaign activities. Manage all medical and police emergencies. Recruit and interview prospective students and their families. Represent the school and collaborate with professionals in the immediate and at-large community. Develop and maintain a direct relationship with the board of directors.
Length of service: Director since its inception in 1991
Accreditations: National Commission on Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES) through National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC).
Favorite Awards & Honors: University of Alabama : Outstanding Student in Program in Learning Disabilities, Outstanding Young Women of America .
Education: B.S. 1973 University of Montevallo Major: Elementary Education; M.A. 1977 University of Alabama at Birmingham Major: (Learning Disabilities)A Certification 1978 University of Alabama at Birmingham Psychometry AA Certification 1981 University of Alabama Major: (Learning Disabilities) Ed. D. 1985 University of Alabama Major: Special Education (Learning Disabilities)
Family: Husband – Tom Carter; Son and Daughter-in-law- Dan and Carrie Carter; Daughter – Claire
Personal Business Philosophy: To open possibilities and opportunities for anyone with whom we come in contact. I believe that all relationships with our school should open doors, expand contacts, enlarge and enrich the greater community. For me, this means that any student, family, employee and/or community partner should have more opportunities through their association with our school than they enjoyed before they met us. We take seriously the idea that we are responsible for our choices and actions and that we should give back to our community whenever possible. We try to establish a relationship of trust and equal partnership with our students and families. We embrace diversity and a model of community inclusion. Our students may have learning differences but they offer a rich, complex model of resilience and determination.
Advice to women in business: Believe in and be passionate about your dreams, make plans to accomplish them and take advantage of opportunities that reflect your core beliefs.
Best advice ever received: A friend once told me to consider the blessing of scripture which always says, "It came to pass" and never "It came to stay".
Secret to surviving in business: Love what you do.
Your strongest inspiration: The students and their families.
What being in business has taught you: Very little is easy even if it is simple.
Secret to dealing with employees: Be honest and fair and include them in important decisions.
