NIPMUC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL’S JAMES GORMAN NAMED
2024 MASSACHUSETTS STEM TEACHER OF THE YEAR
FOXBOROUGH, Mass.— The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX today announced that James Gorman has been selected as the Massachusetts STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made by Chairman and CEO, Robert Kraft. Gorman teaches science at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, MA. As this year’s recipient of the honor, Nipmuc Regional High School will receive $5,000 from the Patriots Foundation in his name to be used for STEM education. Gorman will also be appointed to Governor Maura Healey’s STEM Advisory Council, chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.
“This teacher approaches STEM teaching with curiosity, discovery, and a commitment to using the power of personalized learning to unlock the potential of his students. As a former special education student who became an AP Physics teacher, his story is an inspiration to his students,” said Kraft. “Congratulations James! Thank you for your investment in your students. It will continue to pay dividends for years to come. “
“Massachusetts is a leader in education, and teachers like Mr. Gorman are critical to our ability to continue providing the best opportunities in STEM for our students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “In our state, we want to open doors for our young people, especially to STEM pathways, which is why we are so appreciative of Mr. Gorman for all the work he does to support and guide our students in and out of the classroom.”
“STEM industries are growing across the nation, including in Massachusetts. Teachers like Mr. Gorman play a critical role in helping our students see themselves in STEM careers, growing our workforce pipelines and driving our competitiveness forward,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, co-chair of the STEM Advisory Council. “We are so grateful to science, technology, and math teachers like Mr. Gorman who help cultivate enriching environments for our students to pursue a future in STEM fields.”
“We want to empower all Massachusetts students to realize their dreams and Mr. Gorman does just that in his science classes,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “As a former educator, I know firsthand the commitment and care that it takes to provide quality learning environments. Congratulations to Mr. Gorman on his success, leadership and dedication that resulted in being recognized as our STEM Teacher of the Year – you are changing students’ lives and shaping our future.”
Gorman was chosen from a group of five finalists. The other four finalists will each receive $1,000 for STEM education at each of their school’s courtesy of RTX.
Those teachers are:
- Sandra Bryant– St. Michael School (North Andover)
- Rebekah Gendron– Westport Middle/High School
- Susan Hall– King Philip Middle School (Norfolk)
- Tiffany Testa – Francis W. Parker Charter School (Devens)
Steven Hill, the Patriots Hall of Fame’s Education Program Supervisor, thanked fellow selection committee members Keith Connors from the Department of Higher Education, Meto Raha from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Chinna Mapp from the Executive Office of Education for their work in selecting this year’s STEM Teacher of the Year.
“The individuals on the selection committee make this process possible,” Hill said. “They commit a great deal of time and energy to the process each year and have shown tremendous dedication to recognizing excellence in STEM education in our state.”
ABOUT THE STEM TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
The Patriots Hall of Fame launched the STEM Teacher of the Year program in October of 2012 when Robert Kraft announced the initiative at the Massachusetts STEM Summit, held that year at Gillette Stadium. Gorman is the twelfth recipient of the award. Kelly Powers from the Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School was the inaugural winner in 2013. Other past winners include Doug Scott from Natick High School in 2014, Kerry Murphy from Oliver Ames High School in 2015, David Mangus from Brockton High School in 2016, Kathleen Malone from Derby Academy in Hingham in 2017, Erin Cronin from Revere High School in 2018, Amanda Hough from Mashpee Middle-High School in 2019, Tori Cameron from the Gordon W. Mitchell School in East Bridgewater in 2020, Becky Colo of Longsjo Middle School in Fitchburg in 2021, Shannon Morey from Abbott Lawrence Academy in Lawrence in 2022 and Nancy Gifford from Monomoy Middle School in Chatham in 2023. The STEM Teacher of the Year award is part of the Patriots Hall of Fame’s education program, which offers students in grades 2-12 standards-based educational modules in a fun, entertaining setting. The Hall typically hosts more than 20,000 school field trip visitors annually.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS HALL OF FAME PRESENTED BY RTX
Through a dazzling array of interactive multimedia exhibits and artifacts, the Patriots Hall of Fame showcases the tradition of the New England Patriots, explores the history of football in New England and promotes math and science education for thousands of schoolchildren each year. The Patriots Hall of Fame’s signature exhibit is the Super Bowl Experience. Visitors to the interactive exhibit can re-live each of the team’s Super Bowl championships, and view the Vince Lombardi Trophies and Super Bowl championship rings. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.PatriotsHallofFame.com, visit “The Patriots Hall of Fame” on Facebook or follow @TheHall on Twitter and @Patriotshall on Instagram.
