Faculty Unscripted: Joel Adeline
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Joel Adeline is a Maverick teacher and coach.
From the moment he arrived on campus, Mr. Adeline felt like someone who had always been here.
While he is in his first year teaching and coaching at MSA, it feels as though he’s been part of the community for much longer. This is probably because his teaching philosophy and genuine enjoyment of boarding school life get to the heart of what it means to be an educator on the Hill. On any given day, Mr. Adeline can be found fully engaged with his students, encouraging his players on the soccer pitch, or simply having a conversation with a student on duty.
MSA prides itself on being a place where dynamic interactions happen daily between teachers and students. This is certainly the case with our Maverick history teacher and soccer coach, Mr. Adeline.
Enjoy this edition of Faculty Unscripted with Mr. Adeline.
What are your primary roles at MSA?
I teach in the history department, teaching AP World History, AP Human Geography, along with courses offered to our 9th grade learners. I also serve as the Chair of the Humanities Program and the Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Soccer team.
What made you decide to work on the Hill?
After almost eight years of being a stay-at-home father, that was preceded by a number of years serving as a teacher, coach and administrator, I got the itch to return to coaching and teaching. I live in Batesville and drive by Miller many times each week to get to town and decided to reach out in the Winter of 2023 about coaching soccer and one thing led to another and I have found a great home and community here at Miller to continue my professional journey.
Most memorable teaching, coaching, or student-life experience?
In 2014, I coached an independent school boys varsity soccer team to an undefeated 22-0 state championship in Washington state, which culminated in a Top 10 national ranking from MaxPreps for all high schools nationally. We scored 115 goals on the season, conceded 7 and had a group of players buy in from the first day to the last to try to do things better each day and we saw the direct result of dedication, focus and intensity.
If you were not an educator/staff member, what would you be?
I would either have pursued a degree in educational law, focusing upon the rights of students in academic settings, or I would have gone to work for a garden or nursery tending the lawns, flowers and plants.
Favorite aspect of working at a boarding school?
I genuinely love duty. While initially apprehensive about the weekly commitment to staying late into the evening, I have found this time to support our boarders, develop relationships with students and colleagues and be on this beautiful campus in quiet hours with few people here to be one of the best experiences I have had related to education.
Most memorable lesson learned from students at MSA?
I have been struck so positively by the independence, maturity and courageous spirit so many of our students have, especially our boarding students, to make a decision as teenagers to move away from home and go to a distant place to learn and live. As a person who is risk averse and cautious, the bravery these students possess to live on their own in formative years and to trust us to educate and care for them well is truly inspiring.
Favorite place to go or thing to do on MSA’s 1,100-acre campus?
I love to look out my window from Old Main Room 35 at the view of Caton Hall and the Bell Tower. I also really love walking the halls of Old Main on nights when I have duty and get to lock up the building, with the lights dimmed and just the sounds and smells of this old building.
Movie you have watched the most times in your life?
My wife and I don’t tend to rewatch movies, but Pulp Fiction, 12 Angry Men and The Shining are three of my favorites. Now with children, Encanto and My Neighbor Totoro have been rewatched many times.
Dream trip?
Every summer we travel abroad via home exchange swaps. We have been lucky to spend extended time in Ireland, Portugal, Norway, Iceland to name a few places. But of all the places I have been, Bermuda remains my favorite place and preferred destination for any trip.
Pets?
No. Just no.
What did you want to do when you grew up (when you were in high school)?
I wanted to coach high school soccer, teach and be an athletic director. I’d say things are working out pretty well.
