Chris Gosselin

    Chris Gosselin

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    2009

    Current job title and employer and briefly describe what it is you do: I am the Assistant Principal at Alden School, a Grades 3-5 Elementary School in the Duxbury Public Schools in Duxbury, MA. Alden School serves approximately 650 students with 90 staff members. As the Assistant Principal, I work with students, families, and staff to build a positive, vibrant learning community where students feel connected, safe, and included.

    Academic experience at Saint Michael's College help prepare you for your career: My Saint Michael’s education taught me the importance of fostering meaningful relationships with all those with whom I come in contact in my role as a school leader. I chose to attend SMC because of the palpable sense of community, rooted in a tradition of social justice and equity for all. My experiences as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and now Assistant Principal have reminded me of the extraordinary power of a truly collaborative academic culture, just like I experienced at Saint Michael’s.

    Favorite memory or class from your time studying at St. Mike’s: I’m especially grateful for the support from my academic advisor and mentor, the late Will Marquess. I first met Will in my First-Year Seminar – appropriately titled “Beginnings”. Then, flash forward four years later, I took my Senior Seminar in English with Will at the helm – appropriately titled “Endings”. We always joked that it made my transcript look really good. Will taught me to think, read, write and most importantly learn outside of the lines. He encouraged me endlessly – his door was always open. Now, in my role as a school leader, I strive to be in the mold of Will: calm, creative, joyous, full of passion, and a little unpredictable. I’m so grateful for my time with Will, and I miss him dearly.

    Completed or are completing a graduate program, please provide the name of the degree and institution: Master of Arts in Teaching, Simmons College; Master of Educational in Organizational Management/School Leadership, Endicott College

    Translated your volunteer experience at Saint Michael’s into giving back to your community after graduation: As an educator, I’ve served on multiple Boards in the education community. I currently serve as the President-elect of MassCUE, one of the largest organizations supporting Massachusetts educators in the area of digital learning and innovative teaching practices. Additionally, I serve as a Trustee of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild.

    Other information you would like to share or advice for incoming or current students: My advice to incoming and current students is simple – keep your mind open, be a listener, and remember that your Saint Mike’s community is there to support you as you make decisions big and small. I never would have been an English major if I hadn’t taken Will’s advice to take Lori Smith’s American Literature class. I never would have gotten involved in MOVE if I hadn’t signed up for that Apple Picking trip. I never would have become a tour guide if I hadn’t followed my friend Mike to the Founder’s Society open house. Be flexible and just go with it! Not everything goes according to plan, and sometimes that’s a good thing.