Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Corcoran.
Hi Ryan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to the to school leadership has been shaped by upbringing in a family of educators. Raised in a family where teaching and school leadership were part of daily conversations, I developed an early understanding of schools as formative communities—places where academic excellence, character, and care for the whole child intersect. This foundation naturally led you into education. In my career I have sought out diverse learning environments that broadened both my instructional practice and perspective on leadership.
My path to becoming a principal has been shaped as much by the diverse educational experiences I have had. Teaching has taken me around the world. I have had the privilege to teach in classrooms in China, Spain, and Trinidad and Tobago. Most recently I have taught in and been a school leader in the United States. Each setting challenged my assumptions about education and deepened my understanding of what students need to thrive across cultures.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My professional journey has been an exciting one, filled with rich and eye-opening experiences that have shaped both who I am as an educator and who I am as a person. In every environment where I have worked, I have learned something new, not only about the people and cultures around me, but about myself. While I have deeply valued the opportunity to engage with so many different cultures, the process of understanding and adapting to them has not always been easy. However, I have learned that it is within the struggle that I thrive. As a school leader in the Midwest, I have been challenged to adapt to a culture that is different from the one I was raised in, learning new ways to communicate, lead, and build relationships. Though the growth process has been extremely challenging times and even painful, it has ultimately deepened my empathy, strengthened my confidence, and made me a better person.
As you know, we’re big fans of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Saint Thomas the Apostle School in Grand Rapids is a faith-filled elementary community committed to forming students of strong character, serving diverse learners, and strengthening our local community through relationships rooted in the Gospel. We provide a rigorous, student-centered academic experience grounded in Catholic identity, where success is thoughtfully defined for every child and instruction is responsive to varied learning needs. What sets us apart is our intentional focus on educating the whole child—mind, heart, and spirit—within a close-knit environment where students are truly known, supported, and challenged to grow. We are especially proud of our mission-driven culture, described as dynamic education centered in Christ, which guides everything from classroom practice to community engagement. We want readers to know that Saint Thomas the Apostle School is more than an academic institution; it is a welcoming community that partners with families to form compassionate, confident, and capable young people prepared to serve others and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My greatest strength is my ability to bring people together to work toward a shared purpose, even when differences in perspective, experience, or approach exist. I believe strong communities are built not by eliminating differences, but by honoring them and helping people see how their unique strengths contribute to the whole. As a leader, I focus on giving others real agency by equipping them with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to solve problems themselves rather than relying on top-down solutions. This approach fosters trust, collaboration, and shared ownership, allowing teams to move forward with clarity and purpose while staying grounded in our common mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stthomasgr.org/
- Youtube: @saintthomastheapostleschoo2272
