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. Sean Corcoran was appointed Head of School at Brainerd Baptist School (BBS) in 2006, but his journey with the school began a decade earlier in 1996, when he started working at BBS while still in college. Born and raised in Manchester, Tennessee, Sean is a graduate of Coffee County Central High School. He spent two years working for a large manufacturing company in Nashville before relocating to Chattanooga to pursue a degree in elementary education.

Sean began his teaching career at Brainerd Baptist in 1999 as a 6th-grade teacher. In 2001, the BBS middle school transitioned off campus and became David Brainerd Christian School (DBCS), a new middle and high school. During his tenure at DBCS, Sean taught a variety of subjects and grade levels, including Math, Science, Bible, and Technology, and coached multiple sports such as basketball, golf, soccer, and football. After earning his Master’s degree, he transitioned into administration, assuming leadership roles that included overseeing admissions, the business office, and campus facilities. He played a key role in campus expansion projects, including the construction of a gymnasium, a football field, and two classroom buildings.

In the spring of 2005, Sean returned to Brainerd Baptist School as Assistant Head of School. He was named Head of School in May 2006. Sean went on to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership and is a passionate advocate for high-quality, child-centered, independent education. He has presented at numerous educational conferences at both the state and national levels and frequently chairs accreditation teams for independent schools through the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). He serves on multiple committees for the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) and currently sits on its Board of Trustees. Additionally, Sean is active in the Elementary School Heads Association (ESHA) and works as a consultant, helping smaller Christian schools develop strategic plans. He has also served as an adjunct professor, teaching both undergraduate and graduate-level courses.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Corcoran, Brainerd Baptist School has flourished, emerging as a model of educational best practices. He has played a pivotal role in cultivating a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that fosters academic excellence and engagement. During his tenure, the school has achieved membership in TAIS, SAIS, NAIS, and most recently, the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA). BBS faculty are recognized thought leaders, frequently presenting at professional conferences at the state, regional, and national levels. Significant growth has occurred in enrollment, annual giving, endowment, academic programming, faculty development, and campus enhancements. Notably, in 2020, the school completed its largest capital project to date, which included the construction of new classroom spaces, the HUB (housing the Library, STEM Lab, and Learning Center), as well as new administrative offices. Today, BBS continues its upward trajectory through a comprehensive campus-wide renovation plan, ensuring a modern, innovative, and inspiring environment for all learners.

Sean is married to his high school sweetheart, Katrina, and they have three children: Andrew, Aaron, and Abigail—all proud graduates of Brainerd Baptist School. Andrew, an electrician, is married to Zoë, and they have two children, Andi Claire and Major, who are often lovingly spoiled by their grandparents. Aaron works at UPS and is married to Erica, while Abigail recently earned a degree in elementary education from Middle Tennessee State University. She and her husband, Craig, are expecting their first child in August.

In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, doing yard work, playing basketball, pickleball, and golf. He also enjoys skiing anywhere in the West, biking, and making trips to Knoxville with his sons to cheer on the Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball teams.