BERNE — Brian Corey is fulfilling a long-held goal in becoming principal at the Berne elementary school.
"I wanted to become a principal since I began teaching," Corey said.

A music teacher, Corey is in his eighth year at Berne-Knox-Westerlo. He was appointed Aug. 21 to the position left open by Kim LaBelle. LaBelle is beginning a newly-created position within the district as BKW’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and special education.

Corey will oversee a school with a student enrollment of 405 students.

Corey, a Watervliet native, graduated from The College of Saint Rose with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in music education. He went on to the University at Albany and received a school district administrator certificate.

Over the past 10 years, Corey has taught in three school districts. His first year, he taught instrumental music in the Troy City School District; his second year he taught instrumental, vocal, and general music to all grades, from kindergarten to through high school, in the Virgin Islands at St. Croix; and over the last eight years Corey taught instrumental music to BKW elementary, middle-school, and high-school students.

Corey says the influence of administrators he worked with when he began teaching motivated him to pursue the position as an elementary-school principal.
The principal he worked with at the Troy City School District "managed buildings very well and respected teachers and students," Corey said. "He helped me as a teacher. I want to help teachers out as well."

His role within the district, he said, is to manage the buildings and classrooms; to advise the staff, to ensure all technological and safety updates are upheld, and to meet with supervisors, teachers, parents, and the high-school principal.
As the new elementary principal, Corey said his goal is "to maintain a positive atmosphere for students and teachers, to continue to meet high standards, and to continue to grow."