KENNESAW, Ga. | Aug 7, 2025

Raised by a mother and stepfather who were therapeutic foster parents, Corey Creek '25 has always seemed destined to impact the lives of those in need. In fact, his mother long ago had a premonition that he would follow in her footsteps teaching special education.

Fifteen years later, Creek would go on to earn his Master of Education in Special Education in May from Kennesaw State University’s Clarice C. and Leland H. Bagwell College of Education, bringing his mother’s dream to fruition. He credits his nurturing home environment for exposing him to children with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and inspiring him to carve his own path in special education.

“They’re doing the same work every other kid does,” Creek said. “They’re on the same level as others. They just need a little bit more help and time.”

Before pivoting to education, Creek studied criminology and earned his bachelor’s degree in the field before advancing to graduate research at Georgia Southern University. It was during his research that he learned childhood instability plays a key role in development and criminal behavior. It was this revelation that caused him to consider how he could make a difference earlier in people’s lives.

“What I’ve seen is that there’s not enough stability in people’s lives, especially young men,” Creek said. “I started looking for alternate paths to teaching so that I could be that stable person in someone’s life, because I never saw a male teacher until eighth grade.”

After he shadowed his mother, a veteran teacher of 24 years, Creek’s new path was set.

Creek discovered the Inspiring Greatness and Normalizing Innovation in Teacher Education (IGNITE) Teacher Residency Program, which aims to bolster retention and combat a shortage of educators while providing them with no-cost professional development. Dekalb County School District launched IGNITE in January 2024, and a partnership with KSU has supported the efforts of DCSD superintendent, Devon Horton to specifically address the need for more special education teachers, along with secondary science and mathematics teachers.

Through the program, Creek completed a residency at Pleasantdale Elementary School in Doraville, Georgia. He considers his time there as the most rewarding and challenging experience in his life.

“I feel complete,” Creek said. “It gave me purpose that I didn’t know I was missing. The only drawback was leaving the students at the end of the year.”

After graduation, Creek will continue working full time as a kindergarten co-teacher at Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Decatur, Georgia.

“His ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions sets him apart, making him a valuable asset to any team or project,” said Natasha Griffin, a limited term assistant professor of special education who earned her Ed.D. in the Bagwell College of Education.

Regarding the partnership, Griffin emphasized the importance of collaboration between school systems and higher education, stating, “Teamwork makes the dream work, and here at KSU, we are intentional about being innovative and serving as a valuable asset to our ever-evolving education system.”

– Story by Darius Goodman

– Photo by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.