The aphorism “with great power comes great responsibility” is familiar to anyone who enjoys Spider-Man comic books and movies, but it’s a phrase especially relevant to chemistry teacher and Marvel superfan Wade Cormier who lives that mantra every day in the classroom. And it’s his understanding of the importance of his role as an educator that compelled his colleagues to nominate him as 2024-2025 BOHS Teacher of the Year.
Joey Davis, principal, along with BOHS administrators and staff, notified Cormier of his award in Cormier’s classroom Dec. 13, 2024.
During the announcement, Davis described Cormier as, “an exceptional chemistry teacher [whose] unwavering dedication, innovative teaching methods, and exceptional rapport with students and staff make him a stand-out candidate for this recognition.”
Of the accolade, Cormier said, “There are so many great teachers at our school. I feel honored to be recognized among them.”
Cormier has worked within the Brea Olinda Unified School District for over 20 years, beginning at Brea Junior High School, then transferring to BOHS to teach chemistry in 2009.
Teachers nominate candidates for the award by submitting letters of nomination to Davis, and from there, administrators select a winner.
Paul Ayers, chemistry teacher, said of his colleague: “[Wade] is incredibly personable, driven, and passionate about helping his students be successful.”
To guide his students to that success, Cormier draws from his own sometimes-bumpy journey with the subject matter.
“In high school, I really struggled with my chemistry class so I understand the frustrations and difficulties my students go through,” Cormier, who attended California State University, San Bernardino, said. “[But] by the time I got to college, it became very easy for me. I take those experiences and show students exactly what they need to be successful and how to achieve it. I always tell them, ‘I can show you a better way.'”
Someone especially knowledgeable about Cormier’s work in the classroom is his wife of 17 years, BOHS guidance counselor Jennifer Cormier.
“[Wade] is the type of teacher that connects with his students,” Jennifer Cormier said. “The traits that make him an ideal [recipient of the award] are his energy, his humor, and his ability to help students understand chemistry.”
Also contributing to Cormier’s success in the classroom: fatherhood. The Cormiers are parents to a 14-year old son who is on the spectrum.
“[Our son] needs a lot of support,” Wade Cormier said, “so I understand the academic and social struggles that supported students deal with on a daily basis. I treat students as if they were my own child, helping them through their struggles [and] giving them the tools to be better thinkers in order to succeed.”
That patience, empathy, and understanding were apparent to Davis and the Teacher of the Year selection committee.
“Mr. Cormier possesses a remarkable ability to connect with students on a personal level, especially those from diverse backgrounds who may face challenges in engaging with traditional school environments,” Davis told the Wildcat.
Outside of the classroom, Cormier enjoys fishing trips with his son, collecting superhero comics, attending comic conventions, and watching the latest Marvel films.
Cormier’s favorite superhero — Spider-Man — is another source of inspiration for him.
“[Peter Parker] loves science and is pretty nerdy, just like I was in high school,” Cormier said. “Real heroes don’t always wear a cape and have superpowers. Real heroes always do what’s right when nobody is looking and are always willing to help those in need.”
