Dr. Sean Corcoran, Head of School

B.S. – Tennessee Temple University
M.A. – Nova Southeast University
2006 Summer Fellow of the Peabody College of Education – Vanderbilt University
Ed.S. – Lincoln Memorial University
Ed.D.  Liberty University 

Dr. Corcoran was appointed Head of School in 2006 but actually began working at BBS back in 1996 while still in college. Born and raised in Manchester, TN, Sean graduated from Coffee County Central High. He worked for a large manufacturing company in Nashville for 2 years before moving to Chattanooga to pursue his degree in elementary education.

Sean began teaching 6th grade at Brainerd Baptist in 1999. In 2001, the BBS middle school moved off the campus, and the new middle and high school David Brainerd Christian School was born. During his time at DBCS, he taught several different subjects and grade levels, including Math, Science, Bible, and Technology. He also coached various sports, including basketball, golf, soccer, and football. After earning his Master’s degree, Sean moved into administration, working in many different areas, including admissions, overseeing the business office and facilities. His duties included the oversight of campus expansion that included the construction of a gymnasium, football field, and two classroom expansions.

In the Spring of 2005, Sean returned to Brainerd Baptist School as Assistant Head of School and was appointed as Head of School in May of 2006. Sean earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and is passionate about high-quality, child-centered, independent education. He has presented at numerous educational conferences and also regularly chairs accreditation visits for independent schools in our region through SAIS. He serves on various committees for the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) and currently serves on their Board of Trustees. He is also active in the Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) and has worked as a consultant helping smaller Christian schools develop strategic plans. Additionally, Sean has served as an adjunct professor for a local university.

Under Dr. Corcoran's leadership, Brainerd Baptist School has thrived, becoming a model for best practices in education. He has been passionate about creating a learning environment for students that is both engaging and student-centered. The school obtained membership in TAIS, SAIS, and NAIS, with teachers presenting at conferences at the state and national levels. The school has experienced significant growth not only in enrollment but also in annual giving, endowment, programming, faculty, professional development, and many campus improvements. Under Dr. Corcoran’s leadership, the school has completed several major construction projects. In 2020, the school completed the largest capital project in its history with the construction of new classroom spaces, the HUB (Library, STEM Lab, and Learning Center), as well as a new school and administrative offices.

Sean married his high school sweetheart, Katrina, and they have three children (Andrew, Aaron, and Abigail), who all graduated from Brainerd Baptist School. Andrew is married to Zoë and works locally as an electrician. They have a daughter (Andi Claire). Aaron works for a local bank, and Abigail is a junior at Middle Tennessee State University. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, listening to books, doing yard work, playing basketball and golf, skiing anywhere out west, and biking. He also enjoys trips to Knoxville with his sons to watch his beloved Tennessee Volunteers play football and basketball.