Janna Corley Named Head of Lower School

Mrs. Corley's appointment comes after a comprehensive search that yielded a strong pool of highly qualified applicants, including both internal and external candidates.

 

Throughout the search process, Mrs. Corley distinguished herself not only through her impressive experience and accomplishments, but the remarkable consistency between who she is as an educator and the values that define Bayside Academy. She believes that schools should pursue excellence while cultivating responsibility, integrity, leadership, respect, and a genuine sense of community. Most importantly, she is committed to ensuring every child is known, challenged, encouraged, and loved. These convictions reflect the heart of Bayside's mission and the kind of learning community we strive to cultivate every day.

 

Mrs. Corley has dedicated her career to serving children and advancing excellence in education. During her tenure at UMS-Wright, she served as a first grade teacher, Lower School Library Media Specialist, and literacy leader before assuming additional responsibilities teaching digital design and leading the school's Library Media Center. Most recently, she has served as an elementary school assistant principal while continuing to teach graduate courses in instructional design and technology at the University of Mobile. Across each of these roles, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellent teaching, strong relationships, and helping both students and teachers reach their full potential.

 

Equally important, Mrs. Corley brings a deep understanding and appreciation for independent school education, both as an educator and as a parent. Having spent more than a decade at an independent school, she understands the importance of strong partnerships between parents and teachers, the value of a close-knit school community, and the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of school life. She embraces the privilege and responsibility independent schools have of developing the whole child, and she is excited to continue that work at Bayside.

 

Over the course of the search process, one thing became abundantly clear: Mrs. Corley is a servant leader. She leads with humility, listens carefully, builds meaningful relationships, and inspires confidence in those around her. She is committed to supporting our faculty, partnering with our families, and ensuring that every child is known and valued.

 

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Corley to the Bayside family. We know you will enjoy getting to know her, and we are excited for what she will bring to our Lower School community.