Shields loses teacher but gains new assistant principal

Shields Elementary's new assistant principal may be temporary, but she is hoping it becomes permanent.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Kim Corbidge, who was named temporary assistant principal in January. She replaces David McDowell who took a district position as homeless liaison when Randy Redard retired.

Corbidge's position is temporary until the end of the school year, when she will have to reapply for the position after it is posted to the public. Still, she said, she appreciates the opportunity to get her feet wet in administration after teaching for 23 years.

“I will get as much experience as possible,” she said.

Already, she has had to help direct Shields Elementary students through their first bomb scare – an event that happened on her first full day as assistant principal.

Helping get the school ready for spring Smarter Balanced testing will be another great learning experience, she said.

As assistant principal, she also will have her share of discipline cases, lunch and recess duty, and helping with bus dismissal.

But, she said, she looks forward most to helping teachers network among themselves and observe teaching methods used within the building.

“I want to help teachers get into other classrooms and have an opportunity to see what other teachers are doing,” she said. “I don't want to lose sight of being in the classroom.”

The Pennsylvania native began teaching in Pennsylvania and moved to the Cape Henlopen School District 10 years ago when he husband began working for the Cape May-Lewes ferry.

She taught at H.O. Brittingham Elementary for five years before coming to Shields Elementary where she taught fourth grade before her promotion.

With both bachelor's and master's degrees from Kutztown University, Corbidge said she always knew she wanted to work in administration.

Shields Principal Jenny Nauman said she is thrilled to have Corbidge on board.

“I'm looking forward to a new partnership,” she said. “I'm excited to see how we can make Shields even better.”