Faculty Chairs, consisting of permanent and term chairs, are awarded annually to outstanding members of the faculty. A permanent chair, such as the Geroge P. Milmine chair, lasts throughout the faculty member’s entire career at the school, while term chairs last for five years. All four chairs awarded this year are endowed, and the Meredith Mallory George ’78 Teaching Chair has a sabbatical attached to it. This year, Dr. Marta Eso P ’22, instructor in mathematics, received the George P. Milmine Chair, Mrs. Carmen Dockery-Perkins P ’23, P ’23, instructor in Spanish, received the William Elfers ’37 Teaching Chair, Ms. Amanda McClure P ’18, P ’22, instructor in history, philosophy and religion, and associate dean of community life, received the Meredith Mallory George ’78 Teaching Chair, and Carita Gardiner P ’17, P ’20, instructor in English, received the Class of 1942 Teaching Chair. 

Ms. Amanda McClure, instructor in history, philsophy, and religion, associate dean of community life:

How has your experience been teaching at the school?

My experience has been great! Students here are fantastic, and there is a lot of freedom for teachers here as well. For instance, we are able to make curriculum changes, and I have been involved in the evolution of the Prep humanities program and created my own class – HI451F Pre-Modern Africa and HI452S Modern Africa. 

How does your role as an administrator impact your role as a teacher?

I think my role as an administrator helps my role as a teacher, and I believe that it is important that an administrator also teaches. It is beneficial when helping students with difficulties because I understand the pressures the teachers and students are under. Also, when I come across students who are having challenges or have made bad choices, I, as both an administrator and a teacher, can help them reduce temptation to violate rules. 

Dr. Marta Eso, instructor in mathematics:

What personal goals do you hold for yourself as a teacher?

Math is sometimes scary to a lot of students, so I try to make the class enjoyable, friendly, and fun because I want them to be comfortable with math and not be afraid of it. It’s so nice and special to raise my children on campus and to live in this really nice community.

What is a favorite memory you have at the school?

I’ve worked here for 20 years, and I started a family here. I didn’t have children when I came, and my children all grew up here on campus. 

What is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place would definitely be Lake Wononscopomuc. I really like water and I grew up by a lake. Lake Wononscopomuc is really beautiful and whenever you observe it, you always find something new. Everytime I walk down the lake, all my worries disappear and it’s really relaxing for me. 

Ms. Carita Gardiner, instructor in  English:

How has your experience affected you as an educator?

I feel grateful and lucky every day to get to work with curious, motivated, and engaged kids at Hotchkiss. I like to try to find new ways to engage people in studying literature. The challenge creates joy.

What is your favorite thing about coaching at Hotchkiss?

I like interacting with students outside of the classroom, seeing them practice and learn skills and take joy in their physical endeavors as well. I love the balance, life-long health advantages, and understanding of teamwork that participation in athletics provide.

What is your favorite memory here? 

I’ve lived here for twenty-five years and had two daughters born at, go to school in, and graduate from Hotchkiss. I’m approaching a quarter century of marriage at this school. I’ve gotten to work with hundreds of amazing students. I’ve taught in two departments, coached five distinct sports, and lived/worked in five dorms. I’ve seen thousands of stunning sunrises and sunsets over Lake Wononscopomuc. I’ve eaten over ten thousand meals in the dining hall. How can I pick?

Ms. Carmen Dockery-Perkins, instructor in  Spanish, Admission Associate, dorm head, Flinn:

How has your experience at Hotchkiss affected you as an educator?

I was blown away the first day I taught here. At the end of the class period, students came up to me and thanked me. It was a sincere, “Thank you, I learned something today.” And I thought, “These are students who are hungry. They will pull their weight and expect you as a teacher to pull your weight.”

What is the most important thing you want your students to take away?

I want them to understand the value of knowing another language. It’s not just about completing the requirement, doing it,  forgetting about it, and never touching it in college or beyond. You’re doing so much more than just learning how to speak something else. You’re opening yourself to be vulnerable, not being able to express yourself in the way you wish you could, and not being understood. All of that creates a fortitude of character and empathy will benefit students.