Meet the Team: Ms. Elvy Cornwall, Elementary School Leader, Yale Campus

Elvy Cornwall joined Team MAS in March 2025 as a 5th Grade Science Teacher. Shortly thereafter, during the 2025-2026 school year, she taught 8th grade science before being promoted this summer to serve as Elementary School Leader for grades K-4 at our Yale campus. 

Before arriving at MAS, she served as both a Grade 7 Coordinator and Science Teacher at another school, bringing classroom experience as well as leadership experience into her new role.

For Ms. Cornwall, leadership begins with purpose. Growing up in Jamaica, she realized that what mattered most was the opportunity to positively influence as many lives as possible. She believes education should shape the whole child, and her priorities for the year ahead reflect that philosophy: 

• Improving early literacy
• Bringing joy into rigorous academics
• Supporting a school culture where every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated

Her journey has also included completing the MAS Aspiring Leaders Program, a leadership development initiative that prepares our educators for future leadership through rigorous training, accountability, instructional excellence, and a focus on measurable student growth.

Meet Ms. Cornwall, in her own words…

MAS CHARTER SCHOOL: Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be when you were about 13 years old?

MS. ELVY CORNWALL: I grew up in Jamaica. Initially, I wanted to be a nurse. Eventually, I realized I wanted to focus on making an impact rather than pursuing one particular career. My life goal is to positively impact as many people as possible. What better way to do that than through education?

MAS: When did you join us here at MAS, and what has your journey here looked like so far?

MS. CORNWALL: I joined the team in mid-March of 2025 as a 5th Grade Science Teacher. During the 2025-2026 school year, I taught 8th grade science, and this summer I was honored to step into the role of Elementary School Leader.

MAS: Before joining MAS, where were you working?

MS. CORNWALL: Before coming to MAS, I was a Grade 7 Coordinator and Science Teacher at another school. I spent six years shaping the minds of students, always striving to make learning engaging and impactful.

MAS: Tell us about your education.

MS. CORNWALL: I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica. I also I participated in the MAS Aspiring Leaders Program last year.

MAS: For families who may be new to MAS, what’s the most important thing you want them to know about our school?

MS. CORNWALL: We don’t just look at where your child is today. We look at where they are going. By introducing college-level coursework beginning in ninth grade, we are building the stamina, critical thinking, and confidence they need to thrive in high school, higher education, and beyond.

MAS: What are your priorities as the Yale Campus Elementary School Leader this school year?

MS. CORNWALL: My top three objectives for 2026-2027 are:

1. Rock-solid reading. We are putting a lot of our energy into K-3 literacy, making sure our youngest learners build a strong, confident foundation in reading from the very start.
2. Learning with a spark. Who says rigorous academics can’t be fun? We’re bringing hands-on learning into academics so students are excited to jump off the bus each morning.
3. Cultivating a safe, positive culture. Students learn best when they feel safe. We’re building a kind, positive, and consistent culture where every child feels celebrated and supported every day.

MAS: What’s one belief about education you’ll never compromise on?

MS. CORNWALL: One belief about education that I will never compromise on is that education is about much more than academics. True education should shape the whole child, not only test scores and grades. It should also support emotional growth, character, social skills, and practical life abilities. When we educate the whole person, students are better prepared to thrive in school and in life.

MAS: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

MS. CORNWALL: People might not notice right away that I naturally spend a lot of time reflecting on how things are going and looking for small ways to improve. I’m always trying to learn from experience so I can do better over time. Outside of school, I’m actually pretty chill.

MAS: You’ve said one of your favorite Albuquerque experiences has been Balloon Fiesta. What made it so memorable?

MS. CORNWALL: It’s my favorite things since moving to Albuquerque. I love the excitement, the passion, and the creativity on display during Balloon Fiesta.

MAS: Finally, do you have a quote that reflects your approach to leadership?

MS. CORNWALL: “Live life as though nobody is watching. Express yourself as though everyone is listening.” ~ Nelson Mandela (b. July 18, 1918 – d. Dec. 5, 2013) - South African President, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and anti-apartheid activist

From all of us at MAS, congratulations, Ms. Cornwall, on your new leadership role. We look forward to the year ahead and to the example you will set for our community. Thank you for serving, for your commitment to helping every child grow, and for investing in our school culture, where high expectations and genuine care go hand in hand. We are excited to see the impact of your leadership at our Yale campus.