Lisa McCorkle
Lisa McCorkle (Olbin) in a native Tucsonan oldest of two daughters born to MaryBelle and Richard McCorkle. She attended Booth Elementary Fickett Middle School and graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1974. She earned her BA in elementary education and her master's degree in education with a gifted endorsement from the University of Arizona. Her first teaching assignment was at Lineweaver Elementary in the gifted program; she continued in that position for 20 years and then became program facilitator for Title I Programs at Richey and Drachman school before becoming Principal of Dietz Elementary in January of 2001. She and her husband Mark Olbin have three daughters (Cori Kelsi and Kyli) and one grandson Josh. Lisa M. McCorkle (Olbin) came to Dietz Elementary School in January 2001 when the school personnel were still struggling with grief and shock over the sudden death of the former principal. Ms. McCorkle helped everyone through that crisis with her kindness and thoughtful consideration. We knew our school was in capable hands! The years since then have solidified that assessment in the minds and hearts of those of us who are privileged to work with Ms. McCorkle. She is unfailingly tactful and truthful decisive without being dictatorial calm and clear-headed when dealing with students, parents, community members, and staff. Not many possess the skills and the traits to handle so many different personalities and problems with such style and grace. Ms. McCorkle is the epitome of a hard-working effective educational leader. She is an active listener an avid reader of educational research literature and is able to distill what she hears and reads into practical applications for improvements in classroom and school-wide practices. She also possesses a deep understanding of the networking resources within the district and community that can be called upon to enhance students' learning. Besides her remarkable professional expertise Ms. McCorkle balances a full and rich family life complete with sports church and arts activities. She is an active member of Bethel Community Baptist Church which was founded by her paternal grandfather. All of this juggling is done with good humor and unfailing smile and a cheerful greeting for everyone. She is truly a woman deserving of honor.