Provided by Gorham

Gorham’s professional headshot, taken by photographer Joshua Pickering.

History teacher Christopher C. Gorham’s love for history has been present since he was a young boy. Mesmerized by his World War II veteran grandfather’s library and cigar box of medals, photographs, and newspaper clippings, Gorham’s passion for history has been instilled in him since the earliest stages of his life. Now, after 13 years of sharing his beloved subject with countless students, his teaching career will end at the same place it began.

The 2024-2025 school year will be Gorham’s last year teaching as he will be retiring in June. He hopes to pursue a book deal that arose from the success of his narrative non-fiction book, The Confidante, when he retires.

Gorham’s teaching career began at Westford Academy in 2012, after he spent 15 years practicing law.

“It’s been the job of a lifetime for me,” Gorham said. “Almost 15 years of my life [were] spent in the company of terrific colleagues and wonderful students. It’s been a real joy to be here for these years.”

During his time at WA, Gorham has primarily taught U.S. History, although he did spend a number of years teaching Criminal Minds. However, according to Gorham, his proudest accomplishment is launching the Westford Academy Journal of History. The Journal publishes the final research papers of students that are deemed exemplary each year. It is currently managed by history teacher Michael Martell, who has also shared a room with Gorham for several years.

“He’s very easy to share a classroom with. He’s a positive addition to the school, to teaching, and he’ll be missed,” Martell said.

For Gorham, the best part of teaching was the energy brought forth by his high school students. He believes that the enthusiasm keeps teachers young and makes him look upon his teaching experience with joy. This energy is also the aspect of WA that he will miss the most in his day-to-day life.

“I think the process [of aging] gets arrested a little bit because we’re in the company of these brilliant young people,” Gorham said. “I feel very fortunate to have spent so much time in the company of wonderful colleagues, wonderful administrators, and a lot of energetic, smart kids that have made my time here one to remember fondly.”

One of these kids Gorham remembers so fondly is senior Maggie Eckroth, who had Gorham in her junior year for U.S. History II.

“[Gorham] combines history [with] what’s happening in modern politics,” Eckroth said. “He’s such a great person, and it’s really clear that he cares about the students and what’s best for people.”

As he prepares to leave WA, however, Gorham notes the difficulties of being a modern American history teacher in the present. He believes that presenting the story of the United States with its heroes and villains is difficult when its pillars of democracy and social equality are being purposefully destroyed by people who are entrusted with running the government.

“It’s a very tricky and difficult thing to be a modern American history teacher right now, because it seems like you’re teaching about a country and a people that no longer exist,” Gorham said.

Despite the obstacles of the career, according to many of his former and current students, Gorham has done a wonderful job teaching. Senior Sofia Cannistraro recalls him striving for connection with his students and demonstrating that he cares about them outside of the classroom, noting the significant effect he had on her as a person.

“He’s just a genuine, good teacher,” Cannistaro said. “He’s made this much of an impact on me […] and I think he makes an impact on all of his students. He’s not a teacher I’ll ever forget.”