Dr. John Cordell’s path to the classroom reads like a map of detours driven by restless curiosity. From aerospace engineering to a brief plunge in zoology, a year in physics, a final switch to psychology, and even a daring shot at acting in New York City, each turn folded into a teaching career shaped by an earnest drive to help students reach their goals.
“I figure my function in society is really to try to help you and other people,” Cordell said. “So you have goals, you’ve got things that you want to do, and I’m just a guy in your life that’s trying to help you to achieve your goals.”
As a teacher he is magnetic: both as a storyteller and as an encourager. He draws on physics to illuminate deeper truths about life and human nature, rather than provide written formulas. His classroom is less about ranking students and more about opening doors to futures he refuses to prejudge.
“I don’t want a grade that you get from me to ever say to you like, oh, this dream you had, maybe you should change your dream,” Cordell said. “I don’t want any part of that system.”
Cordell’s personality shifts between infectious enthusiasm and quiet self-awareness; he is equal parts raconteur and attentive listener. Students feel seen without a glare of judgement. Still, beneath his easy warmth lies an intensity that pushes him to fixate on things until he sees them through.
“I will, like, hyper focus and things like that,” Cordell said. “So it’s almost like it bugs me until I just do whatever it is.”
When he seeks this motion and risk, rollerblading down city streets and camping under an open sky are the exact pursuits that cut through the static of everyday worry. He admits he gravitates toward activities with an element of risk because they quiet other anxieties and force focus on the moment.
“I really like roller skating,” Cordell said. “It just somehow appeals to me because you’re going fast, you’re like, in connection with the road, you have to pay attention to all kinds of things… it calms me down.”
His life, like anyone’s, has been interrupted by private struggles that he rarely airs in class. Still, whatever he carries, he chooses to make the classroom a refuge of optimism rather than a space shadowed by his own obstacles. Cordell knows that people are extremely impressionable during their high school years, and also believes that each day should offer a fresh start. That’s why he always tries to always be positive in class—though he notes that one bad day does not define a person. Being in an off mood is okay, too.
But this attitude also extends beyond the classroom walls. Out of a genuine desire to help others, Cordell turned to Instagram, creating an account focusing on how physics applies in real life (See Here). He also makes sure that his lessons are layered with encouragement. He started the account to help students because he believes that education should be accessible to everyone, not just a small group. At the same time, he admits that he also uses it to remind himself why showing up matters.
“I figure my function in society is really to try to help people,” Cordell said.
As an educator, Cordell also hopes that his role isn’t restricted to just handing out grades. Grades do not define a person; failing one physics test doesn’t mean you won’t grow up to be a world-renowned physician. The only people who should be interested in the test results are the student and teacher—and even then the test should only be used to guide the conversation, not to label or limit anyone.
“Instagram is supposed to be just like, sort of teaching without grading anybody,” said Cordell. “I’ll help whoever with whatever.”
This philosophy shines through one of Cordell’s most recent Instagram posts, where he equates life to a book. He explains that we should always push through rough patches (where it be school or something else) because there are many more pages left in the story, pages full of excitement and unexpectedness. It’s important to remember that we are the main character in our own lives, and that we should live fully, just as Cordell strives to do everyday.
