Joe Corcoran has served as principal at Harriet Gifford Elementary since August of 1999. He has been in School District U-46 for 31 years, serving in a variety of roles including teacher, assistant principal, lead principal, cluster leader, elementary project manager, S.A.F.E. coordinator, special education paraprofessional and substitute teacher. 

Joe is a product of U-46, graduating from Larkin High School. Joe received degrees from Elgin Community College, Judson University and National-Louis University all located in Elgin. 

Joe’s teaching career began in Schaumburg District 54 where he taught fifth grade at Winston Churchill School for one year. He later served two years as Assistant Principal at Bartlett Elementary School and seven years as a teacher for fifth and third grades at Coleman Elementary School.   

Joe has served on numerous U-46 committees, including Elementary Principal’s Advisory, Budget Task Force, Human Resources Advisory, Superintendent’s Principal Advisory, A.E.S.A (Association of Elgin School Administrators) Past President, Plant Operation Task Force and Xoom Technology Steering Committee. 

Throughout the years, Joe has written and received many grants to enhance the learning opportunities of his school. Among these grants are the 21st Center Grant, Reading First, Technology Learning Challenge, ISBE Learn and Serve, NAESP, Sharing the Dream, Lowe’s Toolbox, Motorola Mobility Xoom Grant and others. 

Joe was named a finalist in the Kane County Educator of the Year Award, has received recognition from the Illinois National School Public Relations Service Award and led his school to being recognized by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce with their School-Business Partnership Award.  

Joe has forged partnerships with Wesely United Methodist Church, AT&T Pioneers, Northern Illinois Food Bank, The City of Elgin Parks and Recreation, Greater Elgin Family Health Clinic, Hamilton Wings and Kids Hope over the years to support the mission of the school.  

You may contact Joe at joecorcoran@u-46.org