Meet Brad

Brad DeCorte is currently in his twenty-second-year teaching English at Tarpon Springs Middle School. A product of public schools, Brad graduated from Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Michigan.

Upon graduating from high school Brad enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, California serving as a crewman in a helicopter squadron operating radar and sonar equipment and was also trained as a search and rescue swimmer.

After his discharge from the navy, Brad began his higher-level education. First attending San Diego Mesa College before transferring to San Diego State University, where he graduated with a degree in English. Brad continued with his education, getting his teaching credential in elementary education.

In 1999, Brad, his wife Kay, and sons, David and Nathan, moved to Palm Harbor, Florida. His first position was as a fifth-grade teacher in Pasco County. After a year teaching in Pasco, Brad joined the staff at Tarpon Springs Middle, where he has been since 2000. Brad’s sons were also products of Pinellas public schools, both graduating from Tarpon Springs High School.

Brad is not only a teacher but has also been able to use his time in Pinellas to advocate for students, teachers, staff, and parents through his work with the Pinellas Classroom Teachers’ Association.

This work has allowed Brad to meet with Pinellas County school board members, as well as state legislators when they are at home in Pinellas. He has also traveled to Tallahassee many times over the years to meet with legislators while the legislature is in session. These meetings with school board members and legislators have included many issues, including but not limited to, education funding, over-testing of students, and the need for wrap around services to help students deal with issues that may arise.