Description

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I could tell that the students felt damaged and in many cases had undergone serious emotional and physical abuse and neglect. While working with these pupils, I began to see a purpose for my growing up feeling damaged. Having experienced the damaged goods syndrome, I was able to empathize with my students who felt damaged while inspiring them to look beyond their damaged state and play an active role in determining their own destiny rather than being relegated to obscure, backseat living.

About the Author

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Hayward Cordy is the Executive Director of Oconee Regional Educational Services Agency in Tennille, Georgia. In his capacity as Executive Director, he is responsible for coordinating services and securing resources necessary to assist and support schools in developing the capacity to be collaborative, high-performing schools focused on student learning. Dr. Hayward Cordy also works with higher education institutions in his capacity as Chair of the Georgia College and State University Early College Program Governance Board. In this capacity, he is responsible for working with the John H. Lounsbury College of Education Dean and staff as well as local school district staff to provide first-generation college middle and high school students a rigorous education leading to a College and Career Ready High School diploma while affording them the opportunity earn college course credits as well. He has more than 33 years experience in P -12 education. He has served as a superintendent of schools in two rural Georgia public school systems. He has served as an elementary school, middle school, and high school principal. Additionally, Dr. Cordy has directed programs for children with serious emotional behavioral disorders as well as for student assigned to an alternative setting for disruptive behavior. He has taught students with special needs as well as co-taught CareerTechnology Education classes. Dr. Cordy received his bachelors' degree in Elementary and Special Education and a teaching credential from Georgia Southern University in 1983, his masters' degree in Special Education from Georgia Southern University in 1985, his education specialist's degree from Georgia Southern University in 1995 and his doctorate in Administration and Supervision from Georgia Southern University in 2007. Dr. Cordy has published several articles chronicling his lived experiences. Article titles include: Damaged Goods, Who Owns The Problem, The Backseat, Limited Access, and The Last Shall be first. Dr. Cordy began his own mentoring program while in high school. Throughout his career, he has mentored children and adults in various settings. He currently mentors and assists with supervising students enrolled in the Oconee RESA Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy, which provides opportunities for college graduates to become alternatively certified in P-12 education.