FWCD’s Newest Dr.

One of our beloved Upper School science teachers John Cordell, is officially Dr. John Cordell. FWCD’s Science Department, some Breakthrough Fort Worth friends, Raul Frias Perez ’20, John’s parents, Judy (former Upper School Science Teacher) and Andy Cordell (former FWCD Science Department Chair); John’s wife, Sarah, and other TCU doctoral students were present via Zoom on March 10, for his dissertation defense on the role passion plays in the teaching of science.

Following the dissertation committee’s short deliberation, they announced that he’d officially earned a PhD. Dr. Cordell is an inspiring teacher committed to both teaching and learning. He joined the FWCD community in 2003 as an Upper School Physics Teacher. In addition to teaching, Dr. Cordell has been a ropes course facilitator and track and cross country coach. He also has been a Breakthrough Fort Worth teacher since 2011. Dr. Cordell has been working on this advanced degree for seven years while dedicating his Mondays-Fridays to FWCD’s students and faculty members. Sarah and his six children were his support system at home. FWCD is a family affair for the Cordell family: John was hired when his dad, Andy, retired after 24 years. Andy and Judy remained on the FWCD sub list for years after their retirements.