Faculty Friday: Cory Heselton - Middle School Mandarin/Humanities
"I wanted to become a teacher in the 2nd grade. My teacher, Ms. Montrond, was amazing. She made learning fun and encouraged us to think and problem solve. While I fancied other careers as I grew up, I knew deep down that I would end up a teacher one day." Cory Heselton.
Cory Heselton joined the Rabun Gap Middle School faculty in 2016. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating, he decided to travel to China and teach English for First Leap International English School, where he served for seven years, the last three as Academic Director for all International Teachers. Mr. Heselton is a graduate of Tabor Academy and also grew up on the Tabor campus. He understands firsthand the benefits a boarding environment provides and hopes to bring up his own family in a manner similar to what he experienced at Tabor. Mr. Heselton teaches Mandarin at the Middle School, and he’s also teaches 2 sections of our 8th grade Humanities History class. Mr. Heselton serves as an assistant coach for both Middle School soccer and baseball programs. Mr. Heselton lives in Bellingrath Dorm as the head dorm parent with his wife, Jenny Wang, the lower school Mandarin teacher, and their son, Skip.
Why did you decide to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher in the 2nd grade. My teacher, Ms. Montrond, was amazing. She made learning fun and encouraged us to think and problem solve. While I fancied other careers as I grew up, I knew deep down that I would end up a teacher one day.
What is your teaching philosophy? As the great Jalen Rose says, “[students] don’t care what you know, until they know that you care”.
What is the most difficult aspect of teaching today? I really don’t think teaching today is difficult, especially in comparison to the past. I think back to my teachers and all the things they taught me without the benefit of the Internet as a resource and I am truly humbled. For me, I just wish I had more energy most days, but I truly love being in the classroom with my students and when you love what you do, even the difficult parts become easy.
What are the qualities of an excellent teacher? I would always tell my new teachers, authenticity is most important. If you aren’t acting comfortable in front of the class, the students will smell it on you, like fear.
What's the best thing you enjoy about working at Rabun Gap? There are so many things to love about working here, but my favorite thing this past year has been working with my wife. Having the entire family together all the time is just very special to me.
What are you known for? I would say my laugh and loud voice. People usually know where I am at all times.
What inspires you? I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work with some amazing individuals over the past decade and learning from them and seeing what they do keeps me humble and working hard. I remember, my first year of teaching, I would spend all my free time watching other teachers’ classes to the point that some of the Chinese parents started referring to me as the “guy who always stands on his toes and peers into the classroom.” I know, it is a real catchy nickname.
What did you want to be when you were young? I remember one year wanting to be a running back for the San Francisco 49ers. I quickly realized my talents laid elsewhere.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I hold the unofficial (Guiness refused the category) world record for longest continual improvisation performance. My troupe, Shots in the Dark, from Gettysburg College, did 100 straight hours and if you want to torture yourself, it is all on Youtube for posterity.
What’s one professional or personal skill you wish you had that you don’t? I really wish I could whistle with two fingers really loudly. Everytime I see Ms. Janie do it, I get really jealous.
What do you work toward in your free time? Hopefully, next year, I will begin working towards my Master’s degree, but most of my current free time is spent playing with my son or playing Fifa.
Is there anything else that you would like to add? Yes, I would like to give a huge thank you to my wife and her mother for all the support they provide at home that allows me to do the job I love each day.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
