Nipmuc Regional School District Superintendent Maureen Cohen recently announced that James Gorman, a science teacher at Nipmuc Regional High School, has been named Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year by the Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX.

"Mr. Gorman has a talent for bringing complex concepts to life through real-world application and experience," said Superintendent Cohen. "Every day he engages his students, encourages their curiosity, and provides a solid foundation for lifelong understanding of STEM principles."

Gorman is the Science Department chair at Nipmuc Regional High School, where he teaches all levels of physics and engineering classes. He takes a hands-on approach to learning about STEM, having his students explore problems and find actual solutions to make the curriculum come alive.

For example, through the Epic Education Foundation, his students research unsolvable problems, break them into smaller parts and work on a solution to one of those parts. Gorman then writes to industry experts to present the results of the students' work and get feedback. 

In 2022, Gorman's students participated in the international MaxIQ Space World Space Week competition based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their project, which involved designing a motor to rotate solar panels so they are always facing the sun, was selected by judges as a runner-up. 

"Mr. Gorman is a visionary educator who embodies what it means to be a difference-maker for our students," said Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principal John Clements. "Whether connecting students with astronauts, introducing them to 3D printing and laser engraving, building partnerships that allow students to launch their ideas into orbit, or more - he creates life-changing experiences for students at Nipmuc."

Gorman also helps Nipmuc students choose science classes that match their interests through a series of prompts he calls NipSci Pathfinder. 

"I am honored to be named the Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year," said Gorman. "There's no greater privilege than being an educator and I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to teach the next generation of STEM experts."

Gorman, who has already collaborated with the state Department of Education to create curriculum frameworks and strand maps for science and technology/engineering, has also presented at national conferences on best practices in STEM education. 

The Patriots Hall of Fame launched the STEM Teacher of the Year program in 2012 to highlight the importance of providing Massachusetts students with a robust STEM education that prepares them for 21st century careers. 

“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,” Patriots Hall of Fame Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement. “Congratulations James! Thank you for your investment in your students. It will continue to pay dividends for years to come."

Governor Maura Healey said in a statement, "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. 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.”

For being named STEM Teacher of the Year, Gorman will receive $5,000 from the Patriots Foundation in his name to be used for STEM education. He will also be appointed to Governor Maura Healey’s STEM Advisory Council, which is chaired by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

Source: Mendon-Upton Regional School District