The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

The student news site of Westford Academy

WA Ghostwriter

WA Graduate and Faculty Member: Chris Gosselin

Michelle Thompson
Staff Writer

Chris Gosselin, graduate of the class of 2005 grew up in Westford Massachusetts and has recently taken a job at Westford Academy as an interim English teacher. He has been a part of the Westford community since he moved in the second grade to attend the Robinson Elementary school. He now teaches Rebecca Ingerslev’s English 11, CP1 and CP2, 9 Honors classes and Children’s Theater with Michael Towers.

As a student, Gosselin was a part of the music and theater departments, but he did not play any sports. In high school, Gosselin says that he was hardworking, but not an AP student, got good grades, and was very serious. Although math was never his strong subject, he always enjoyed English and eventually decided to pursue a career in teaching English.

Gosselin's Senior Yearbook Picture

As a teacher, Gosselin has a relaxed class and wants every class to be a little bit different. He believes that running his class in a more relaxed and interesting way, the students will stay engaged and are more likely to succeed.

“I like to keep people on their toes,” said Gosselin.

Gosselin started the Future Educators of America club when he was in high school. He says it was all so that he would have a good reason to go on an internship in an elementary school during his senior year.

He remembers the Senior Trip to Disney World as one of his favorite high school memories. The pizza party with Mickey Mouse was one of the memorable parts of the trip.

He also remembers having senior privileges for the first time.

“We went to Dunkin’ Donuts on the first day and we felt so cool,” said Gosselin.

Gosselin says that he had some really great teachers in high school. The people who inspired him to pursue a career in teaching were WA’s Mr. Betlencourt and Michael Towers. His sophomore English teacher, Janet Keirstead is another inspiration to Gosselin.

“They are intelligent, capable, smart teachers who are a lot of fun,” said Gosselin of the English Department.

Gosselin is also playfully made fun of by some of the faculty members.

“Mr. Coward makes fun of me all the time because I am a former student,” said Gosselin.

Gosselin attended St. Michael’s College in Vermont after he graduated from WA and he received his Bachelor’s of Art degree in English there. He also got his Masters of the Arts from Simmons.

His decision to return to WA as a faculty member was made by the tough job market and his love of Westford. Gosselin wanted to return to Westford after some time away. Working at Westford Academy has provided Gosselin with lots of options for the future, whether he stays at Westford Academy or if he goes somewhere else.

Gosselin is currently teaching at WA

Gosselin has seen many changes in WA since he graduated six years ago. There are a lot more students, more technology, and a different principal. Jim Antonelli, who was the dean when Gosselin was a student, also served as a great role model. Gosselin has also gotten to know Patrick Gendron as they are now co-workers, although they were never friends or in the same social group in high school.

Gosselin says that while knowing the town of Westford so well has given him an advantage and has helped him really commit himself, it can also serve as a disadvantage. His sister was a senior last year and it was difficult to teach some of her friends in his classes.

Gosselin is very happy to be an English teacher and enjoys working in Westford, the town he grew up in.

“It is an honor to be able to share books with students,” said Gosselin.

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