Noshing With Dr. Kathleen Corley – January 25, 2024

Ira's Everything Bagel

Author (along with Glenn Plaskin), The Magical Place We Call School: Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Happiness in a Challenging World

This week, Ira spoke with Dr. Kathleen Corley, author (along with Glenn Plaskin) of The Magical Place We Call School: Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Happiness in a Challenging World. In this educational episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Kathleen talks about why she decided to write the book; why we need to be firm with standards of what we teach, but flexible on how we teach it; the need for quality control; performing at high levels; “space spaces” for teachers; being creative without being controversial; why schools are magical places, which large parts of the public may not be aware; why parents should be involved with their kids’ schools; why schools will need to address the challenge of AI; the importance of reminding students of the need for respect; how social media has changed how students behave; why some schools prohibit the use (but not the possession) of mobile phones; the importance of a “break the mold” school; the impact of COVID; the metaphor of “Red Cedar Stew”; and why you should find out how to help your local school.

Dr. Kathleen Corley is an award-winning educator, an authority on school culture, and the charismatic principal at Red Cedar Elementary School in Bluffton, S.C. Renowned for her unique communication and management skills, Corley has a bachelor’s in music education from the University of Illinois, a master’s in music administration from Chicago Musical College, Roosevelt University, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Illinois.

Chicago-born, Dr. Corley began her career in education as an elementary music teacher and transitioned to education administration to make a wider impact upon student achievement and school culture. She entered the administrative ranks as an assistant principal in Palatine, Illinois, then became an elementary school principal in Lynchburg, Virginia, Salem, Massachusetts, and Bluffton, South Carolina. She was the founding principal at three of those schools and has been an educator for over forty years (and still counting). Corley has been an assistant professor at Salem State University and continues to mentor principals.

A lifelong Cubs fan, Corley lives in Bluffton, South Carolina, with her husband, Wayne, and dogs Wrigley and Fenway. The Magical Place We Call School represents her debut as an author.

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