This year, Nayland College has been lucky to have a fantastic group of new teachers join our whanau. Throughout the year we will be profiling our new recruits in the newsletter so you can get to know them. Today we are saying hello to our new science teacher Carl Sheehan.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born and bred in the mighty Waikato. I grew up in a small town, 20 minutes from Hamilton in the middle of farming country, called Te Awamutu.

Where else have you lived before coming to Nelson?

Hamilton, Whakatane, Opotiki.

What other jobs did you have before becoming a teacher?

After completing my tertiary study, I spent 12 years working in commercial laboratories as an analytical chemist. This included working in the environmental testing sector and then in food safety. One of the biggest projects I have been a part of is when the Rena cargo ship grounded on the astrolabe reef in the Hauraki Gulf.

Why did you decide to be a teacher and what drew towards becoming a science teacher specifically?

This is always an interesting question. I had a realisation a few years ago that I wasn’t happy in my job anymore and wasn’t being challenged. I looked at what I really enjoyed about my job at the time and discovered I really enjoyed working with people and helping them grow, learn and excel. I was not willing to give up my passion for science and the combination of these things led me to teaching.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically?

I really enjoy the challenge of teaching and being in a constant state of learning. Working with the students, teachers and community of Nayland College is amazing and no two days are ever the same. It is really refreshing to be working with other teachers who are so passionate about their craft and their students.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I really enjoy reading, running, painting/drawing, cooking, gaming with friends and relaxing in the sun.

What is one book everyone should read? 

It’s hard to narrow it down to just one. I would say either The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho or The Magician by Raymond E. Feist.

What were you like as a student at school?

I was very much an academic. I enjoyed maths, chemistry, physics and got good grades. If I had applied myself more, I probably could have done quite well which was probably quite frustrating for my teachers.

When I retire, I want to...

Keep busy, keep learning and spend more time doing the things I enjoy like painting and cooking. Maybe do a bit of travelling.

How are you coping with the lock down?

I am coping well but it has definitely been a challenge. My inner introvert has started to thrive at home. It took a while to create a good routine and it has helped me refocus on the important things in life like spending more time with my wife. I have enjoyed having some time to look back at the first term at Nayland and reflect on what an amazing experience it has been.

Question from Nicole (last interviewee) - What will be the first place you’ll go to eat in Nelson after lockdown?

It will most likely be Smoking Barrel in Motueka. Low key with great food and amazing donuts.

Give me one question to ask the next teacher we profile…

What is a little known fact about you?