About Us

Hello! My name is Tabatha Cornelson, and I’m thrilled to be the principal at Waverly Elementary, where our students and staff work hard, support one another, and have fun along the way.

I’ve been a part of the Greater Albany School District since 2017. Prior to that, I taught in Southern California. Over the years, I’ve taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades, and also served as an instructional coach. As both an educator and a parent, I know how important it is to create a school community where every child feels supported, challenged, and known. My favorite part of education has always been watching students learn, grow, and discover their potential.

I absolutely love getting to know our families and seeing everyone enjoy our family nights. Building strong school-home connections is important to me, and I encourage you to get involved—whether by attending events or volunteering at school. If you haven’t already, please complete a background check so you can join us in supporting student success.

I’m married with two high schoolers and a dog who keeps us on our toes. I enjoy hiking—especially to waterfalls—and love going to sports games to cheer on my kids or our amazing Waverly students. You’ll often find me in the stands, proud and loud!

Waverly is a special place. Our students and staff have the biggest hearts, and we love learning together. I’m proud to be part of this amazing school community!

I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a positive school culture. In my role, I work closely with students, staff, and families to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all kids can succeed. Whether I’m helping students navigate challenges or celebrating their growth, my goal is always to help them feel seen, heard, and valued. One of the quotes that inspires my work is, “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” (Theodore Roosevelt).