Meet the new Journalism advisor, Mr. Day. He also teacher classes such as Speech, and American Film!

Hello Vikings, this is the Norse Code’s inaugural edition of Feature Friday. Every Friday, we shine the spotlight on a New Berlin West student, faculty member, or club. 

This week, we interviewed Arthur Day. He teaches Journalism, Speech, English 11, American Film, and Advisory in room 207. Additionally, he is the Head Coach of the JV2 football team and triple jump and long jump for Track & Field. At Lancaster High School, he ran track and played football and basketball: ultimately seeking out football as he played wide receiver at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. After attending UWL, he received his Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Following graduation, he taught English 11 at Hunters Lane Comprehensive High School in Nashville. He also has experience teaching AP Literature, Creative Writing, English 12, and English 9 at White House High School in White House, Tennessee, where he was the Head Track & Field Coach and the Defensive Coordinator for the Varsity Football team. 

Q- Why did you become an English teacher?

A- I was originally an exercise science major and had some interest in strength conditioning and sports psychology. As an athlete in the weight room every day for four years, the strength and conditioning coaches’ jobs seemed repetitive. I still wanted to be able to impact teenagers and athletes. Being a teacher brought me more variety. I chose to specialize in English because I enjoy books, poems, and short stories. My favorite book is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Q- What drew you to continue your life in Nashville?

A- The live music scene was blowing up in Nashville and I am really big into music. I built a foundation and friends and wanted to continue to build my life there. I ended up living in Nashville for 6 years.

Q- Why did you come back to Wisconsin?

A- I came back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. I grew up in Southwest Wisconsin three hours from Milwaukee so I never came to Milwaukee unless it was for a Brewers game. I am living in Milwaukee now, and I love the city, especially in the summer with the lakes and parks.

Q- Favorite thing about New Berlin West?

A- I kind of forgot what it was like to be a Wisconsinite. For me, it’s the students. The students do what they are told and don’t ask questions as to why and I used to get that a lot and it became exhausting. The students here trust me and do what I say, and that is really refreshing. 

Q- Top 3 travel destinations you have been to?

A- 1) Lucerne, Switzerland. 2) Chattanooga, Tennessee. 3) Edinburgh, Scotland. I like cities that are built into the mountains.

Q- Favorite holiday and why?

A- My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because of the days off and you get to be a glutton and no one judges you. It’s a day designed for you to think about how grateful you should be for everything you have. My least favorite Thanksgiving food is Turkey and my favorite is green bean casserole. You also can’t forget the pie.

Q- How many pairs of shoes do you own and rank your Top 3 favorite pairs?

A- I have over 20 pairs of shoes but I don’t know the exact number. My favorite pair is my white Veja’s because they go with everything. I have a pair of blue, yellow, and white New Balance 550s that I bought the day after I got the job at NBW. Those are my gameday shoes. Third would be the Nike Cortez’s that I got at Plato’s Closet that I got for 50% off. 

Q- If you could eat dinner with three people of your choice who would they be?

A- Aaron Rodgers because he’s a super interesting guy, Bruce Springsteen (favorite singer), and my Grandpa.

Q- Favorite food?

A- Chickpea and red curry with rice

Q- Favorite cooking appliance?

A- Rubber spatula and it’s not even close. A rubber spatula is so dependable, doing exactly what it’s supposed to do every time: getting the sides of the bowl clean. It’s so satisfying.

Q- Would you rather mow the lawn or vacuum your living quarters?

A- Mow the lawn. I’d rather be outside.

Q- It’s karaoke night and you have to sing one song from three different genres. What are they?

A- Ants-Marching by Dave Mathews, You Never Even Called Me By Name by David Allen Coe, and Music for a Sushi Restaurant by Harry Styles.

Q- Would you rather be Batman or Spiderman?

A- Batman because he doesn’t actually have any superpowers. He’s just determined. He represents my mentality.

Q- You get to take over the life of any current professional athlete for one year. Who would you be?

A- Giannis Antetokounmpo.