Contra Costa County Office of Education

PLEASANT HILL, Calif.-- Contra Costa County Office of Education’s principal of Golden Gate Community School, Douglas Corbin, has been awarded the Administrator Leadership Award by the California Association of Science Educators (CASE). Nominated for his outstanding work bringing high-quality science curriculum and learning opportunities to alternative students, Corbin was awarded this prestigious honor at the 2022 California Science Education Conference in Palm Springs, Calif.

“I am incredibly proud of Principal Douglas Corbin and his team of educators at Golden Gate Community School," Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “His love of science and passion for equity in the classroom is unwavering. Mr. Corbin is constantly seeking ways to encourage the students in his school. It is a pleasure to see this inspiring administrator be recognized for the work he has been building upon for many years.”

Known as a leader and lifelong learner, Corbin said he strives daily to be a better principal to his teachers and his students. He said students at his school are part of a broken system and need teachers and school leaders who believe in them to help them navigate out of the negativity that surrounds their lives. The shared focus of his and his staff is ensuring students receive rigor and relevance in the classroom.

“Being awarded the California Science Education’s Administrator Leadership Award is really rewarding because it acknowledges the hard work of my Golden Gate team to improve our curriculum and instructional practices,” Corbin said. “One of my main goals as an educator has been to provide quality educational opportunities in alternative education. Science has been a key area of active growth that we have focused on over the last few years. This award reinforces my belief that we are becoming one of the best community school programs in the state. I am also honored to shine a spotlight on the Golden Gate program and on our county office, as well. So being bestowed the state’s science education administrator of the year award feels really good.”

Golden Gate Community School programs provide successful learning experiences for students in an alternative education environment. Students are supported in reaching their academic and career goals by teaching strategies and techniques which enable them to succeed personally, socially, and educationally in society. Corbin is a proponent of teachers being culturally relevant as they connect and build relationships with students. While making science interesting and relatable is just one avenue that could lead kids to a better life in the future, Corbin is passionate about it. To learn more about Douglas Corbin and the Golden Gate Community School, you can listen to a podcast where he was recently a featured guest called, “Teaching STEM #4Real for 'Those Kids' Too!"
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About Contra Costa County Office of Education
One of 58 counties in the state of California, Contra Costa County has the 9th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 178,000 students). Officially established in 1932, the CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of our county's most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.

CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county's 285 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.