We all know the drill when it comes to a typical day as a student at NES—wake up, brush your teeth, throw on some clothes, and head out the door. But, have you ever stopped to think about what a day actually looks like for an NES teacher? Yeah, me neither… until I decided to find out.
So, I shadowed Mr. Cornell for the day to get a firsthand look at what goes on behind the scenes. From the early mornings to the crazy afternoons, I navigated him through all the moments that make up a day in the life of an NES teacher. Spoiler alert: it’s way more than just grading papers!
He starts off his jam-packed day between 7:15 and 7:30, with his primary focus on catching up with the Heads of Year before they head off to their own bustling days. I’m sure you’ve seen Mr. Cornell roaming the halls, asking you to tie your hair or get to class, but believe it or not, teaching is what he truly cherishes.
His first period is spent balancing the many aspects of science. Known primarily as a biology teacher, Mr. Cornell is a man of many talents—chemistry being one of them.
His commitment to his role is truly inspiring. Every day, he shows an unwavering dedication to both his students and the school community. Whether he’s staying late to ensure every detail is addressed or taking the time to personally check in with each student, he always goes above and beyond.
Which is exactly how his 2nd period was spent—catching up on in-school issues after returning from the DofE International Award Silver practice expedition with students over the weekend. His ability to juggle so much with such compassion and professionalism sets him apart as an exemplary educator.
First break rolls around, and as expected, Mr. Cornell makes his way around the playground, ensuring everyone is on the right track—and of course, checking uniform!
As the bell rings and you head back to class for 3rd period, Mr. Cornell has a chat with a student about balancing the pressures of academics, sports, and extracurriculars. This is, in his words, a “fairly common, but completely normal mishap.”
If that sounds like you, he might have a few words to share:
“When individuals strive to be their best, both in and out of the classroom, it often leads to stress. This stress can be a motivating force, helping to sharpen focus and drive progress, similar to the nerves before a big event. However, it can also become distress, causing anxiety and holding them back. A key part of my role is to provide space for students to talk through their feelings and challenges. Often, just having that conversation helps students find clarity. The aim is to help them navigate through these tough moments, build a support system, and move forward. Though these discussions can be challenging and time-consuming, they are essential, as a balanced mind is crucial for productivity and growth.”
Break time is back! This is usually when Mr. Cornell carries out hair checks, so make sure you’ve got those hair ties out and your jewelry off because his eyes are sharp, always noticing the smallest details.
“What’s so wrong with keeping my hair untied?” we all ask in unison. Well, as Mr. Cornell says,
“Tying your hair back is critical for safety in practical subjects and it is a rule which proves we, as a society, can follow rules no matter our thoughts on them. Your university will have rules not dissimilar to the school, your workplace will have a dress code. It is about respect and adherence to good practice.” His words…not mine!
It’s easy to forget that teachers are human too. They’d probably love nothing more than to show up in a hoodie and sweatpants, just like the rest of us. But they choose to dress professionally, out of respect for their role. So why shouldn’t we?
To finish off the day, period 5 is when Mr. Cornell walks around and reinforces what he already knows to be true—keeping our community connected and engaged.
After school, he makes sure everyone gets on their bus safely, reminding us all to be kind to each other. Don’t be afraid to give a little wave as you head out! Another great day of N-ever E-nding S-uccess.
And to wrap it up, a quote for the right mindset, delivered by Mr. Cornell himself:
“If you are happy in school and your worries are small,
You’ll try your best and work hard for us all.”
