Carlisle Corson’s teaching career has taken him to Hawaii and Texas, but he considers the Chatfield School District to be his home. Corson has a license in elementary and special education and has been teaching for 25 years. For the past 14 years, he has been teaching special education at the Chatfield Public School district. This year, however, he accepted the position of dean of students at the Chatfield High School, a job that was created for him by the school just this year.
Corson had been working on his administrative degree for the past two years and finished it in June 2016. He received his degree through the University of Minnesota and was able to work in a cohort of 10-15 people in Rochester, which was convenient as he didn’t have to drive as far as the Twin Cities to attend classes.
In addition to spending time teaching in Hawaii and Texas, Corson has worked in the Rochester public school system as well as a few other smaller districts. He had several opportunities to work in Rochester in administrative positions, but chose to stay in Chatfield. When asked why he made that decision, he replied, “It’s nice being in a small district and getting to know the kids. You really get to develop relationships with the kids.”
Corson lives in Preston with his wife and four children, which is where he grew up, as well. He credits being raised in a small town with his preference for working at a small school district versus a larger one. “I really enjoy the quality of life you get living in a small town,” he commented.
Corson’s duties as the new dean of students includes disciplinary actions, referrals, and attendance. He also sits in as a district representative for special education and helps set up 504 plans for students who need them. He enjoys being able to help out the superintendent and principal by taking over those tasks to allow them more time to focus on other aspects of their jobs. “We have a good staff and supportive administration here,” he said.
“We offer an alternative learning program for nontraditional students here at the Chatfield School District. We also offer online classes through the alternative learning program,” Corson said, adding that being able to give families different options such as those keeps more kids in the school district rather than having to go elsewhere to find what they need. Since the alternative learning program was started, several students were able to return to the Chatfield School District and have their needs met.
Chatfield High School’s class sizes range from an average of 70-100 students and it is a growing district. Corson noted that a referendum will be held to begin upgrading the school’s technology soon. “Being this close to Rochester’s schools, we almost have to compete with them,” Corson pointed out. However, with the loyalty and commitment most Chatfield residents have towards their community, losing students to the Rochester school district is pretty rare.
Corson has been enjoying his new job and looks forward to continuing to serve as dean of students at the Chatfield High School.