Dr. Kathleen Corley

Dr. Kathleen Corley is an award-winning educator, an authority on school culture, 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 then 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 40 years (and still counting). Corley has been an assistant professor at Salem State University and continues to mentor principals. A life-long 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.