Reverend Brown gets a new leader with heart

Sparta - With the start of the new school year, Reverend Brown welcomed its new principal, Dana Corcoran, from Hackettstown, N.J. She not only brings a feeling of genuine warmth to the school, but fresh and innovative ideas to update yet maintain the school’s impeccable standards. Corcoran’s extensive educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in English literature, a masters degree in special education developmental disabilities and another masters degree in educational leadership from William Paterson University. Although Corcoran is highly educated, she puts more credibility in her ability to lead Reverend Brown in the sincerity and love she has for children in her heart than in her degrees. “You can have the degrees in the world, and it doesn’t matter if you run a school without heart, it’s senseless. Caring about what you’re doing on a daily basis is what makes it all worthwhile,” said Corcoran. Working previously as the Vice Principal of the regional middle school for Independence and Liberty, Great Meadows Middle School, and as Principal at Celebrate the Children’s School for Autistic in Byram, Corcoran has the experience to implement the changes she foresees at Reverend Brown. They are currently piloting several new math and science programs for grades 6-8 and new reading programs for grades K-5. If the pilots prove to be as worthwhile as expected, the programs will be implemented by next year. “We are updating to match state core curriculum standards and help foster differentiated instruction and multiple learning styles in the classroom. The state test scores were very good and I want to maintain that. We are looking to stay ahead of the curve,” said Corcoran. She has a lot of faith in her staff. Corcoran feels confident she is leading the school with a strong core of experienced, educated and loving teachers. “I think Reverend Brown is at a point where the school runs itself. Many of our teachers have extended degrees, masters degrees and certifications in different areas, and I think a lot of people don’t know this. They are highly qualified teachers with exceptional backgrounds. The way they prepare the students is phenomenal. 90-95 percent of our students continue onto private schools,” explained Corcoran. She plans to encourage and promote continuous professional development of her staff through workshops and viewing other classrooms in the area. In addition, all teachers are required to put together a personal improvement program each year and to create a grant proposal, either as a team or individually. Corcoran is confident they will continue to succeed. “I am overwhelmed with the professionalism of the staff here. I am dually impressed with not only their professionalism but their warmth for the children. It is obvious to me they are here because they want to be here. They have never asked for more and are full of heart 100 percent of the time,” said Corcoran. She has also implemented a team building program with Pope John. In an effort to continuously push the students to reach their highest academic potential, Reverend Brown’s higher math students in eighth grade are now attending high school math courses at Pope John. Pope John and Reverend Brown are also partnering in the athletic arena as well. Reverend Brown is starting their own field hockey and spring/fall track programs with the use of Pope John’s fields. Corcoran hopes to indulge in her high school passion for field hockey by coaching her students. Corcoran wants the best for the children. “All I ask, is they do their best and that’s enough for me. I’m always proud of them and hope to be a role model as a person and a spiritual leader,” said Corcoran.