Whether it be in the teaching of an idea, the celebration of a win, or the kind, warm guidance that all young people need when they are faced with a challenge, Westminster faculty members know that they hold the great responsibility and privilege of being an essential figure in a young person’s life.
Westminster deliberately searches for talented, passionate, kind and versatile teachers who have the knowledge and skills to contribute to all aspects of campus life. The hiring and retention of these educators is vital for offering a first-rate education in a character-building community.
The Soar Together Campaign is honoring the faculty members who are instrumental to the excellence of a Westminster education
Generations of Martlets often look back on faculty members who played a significant role in their growth and development during a formative time in their lives. The campaign is focused on ensuring that the quality of the Westminster faculty remains top-notch in the future. It also seeks to provide faculty members with the resources they need to do all that they do in their many roles on campus. Professional development opportunities and graduate studies allow faculty members to bring new knowledge, inspiration and energy into the classroom and other learning experiences for students.
Travel grants allow faculty members to explore places of interest during the summer and return refreshed in the fall. Doubling this benefit from five to 10 grants per year will give even more faculty members the benefit of taking a step away from their everyday responsibilities to grow in new directions.
Travel grants allow faculty members to explore places of interest during the summer and return refreshed in the fall. Doubling this benefit from five to 10 grants per year will give even more faculty members the benefit of taking a step away from their everyday responsibilities to grow in new directions.
Endowed Faculty Chairs Among Peer Schools
Westminster has six endowed faculty chairs, while peer schools average 24. Faculty chairs for department heads and for master teachers make the crucial difference in offering competitive compensation when vying for the best educators in a discipline.
“Financial assistance with my graduate studies allowed me to attend Wesleyan and to walk in the steps of the Civil Rights Movement through an immersion course in Alabama. Meeting courageous and dedicated people and experiencing this complex history firsthand, fueled a deeper, more zealous approach to teaching this subject to my students."
Colleen Joncas
History Teacher | faculty co-advisor for the gender sexuality alliance (gsa) | m.a.l.s. from Wesleyan University | appointed 2005 |
“Incredible hiking, breathtaking cliffs, engaging hosts and live music are just a few of the highlights of my travel grant experience with Siobhan. Ireland was the perfect location for rejuvenation. Even the rain couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm for this charming country."
Peter Ulrich
Math teacher | squash, lacrosse and soccer coach | member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics | travel grant 2017 | appointed 1996 |
“Taking a sabbatical in 1996-97, allowed me to participate in a Klingenstein Fellowship which, in turn, permitted me to study at both Teachers College and Columbia University. This dynamic educational experience served as a foundation both for various Westminster initiatives and programs that serve as a bridge from Williams Hill to the residents of Hartford and back.”
Todd Eckerson
history teacher | founder CCLP and WCLP programs | former dean of faculty, football and lacrosse coach | appointed 1982 |
“The recognition and kind support of the Donald H. Werner Chair in English gives me a great sense of being valued. As a teacher-coach, I have always believed that the line where the field ends and the classroom begins is a hazy one. It is a tremendous privilege to work in both spaces to develop our students’ characters, minds and lives.”
Lawrence Court
English department chair | Donald H. Werner chair in English |co-advisor The Westminster News | field hockey coach | appointed 2016 |
Westminster takes pride in the twenty distinguished faculty whose long-term dedication of twenty years or more to our community has helped the martlets of yesterday and today soar.
Faculty Support Opportunities
ENDOWED FUNDS
Endowment gifts generate income in perpetuity and secure a foundation for faculty support. Department Chair $1,500,000 An endowed gift of $1,500,000 generates the approximate income required to fully support a department chair at Westminster. Distinguished Teacher Chair $1,250,000 An endowed gift of $1,250,000 generates the approximate income required to fully support an outstanding teacher on the Westminster faculty. Teaching Fellowship Chair $800,000 An endowed gift of $800,000 generates the approximate income required to support a promising faculty member with long-term professional development. Westminster Teaching Initiative Chair $500,000 Provides resources to help ensure Westminster continues to provide excellent professional development opportunities for faculty members. Travel Grants $125,000 Endows a travel grant opportunity for a deserving member of the faculty. Academic Program $100,000 Provides support for the development and enhancement of an academic program. Donors have the opportunity to discuss preferences and help shape priorities for these endowed funds. |
CURRENT-USE FUNDS
The Westminster Fund provides significant current-use budget relief. The Westminster Fund The Westminster Fund supports top priorities such as faculty professional development, graduate study, travel grants and sabbaticals. Donors qualify for recognition in the Williams Hill Society at the following gift levels:
Make A Gift
To discuss a capital gift, please contact Newell Grant ’99, Director of Advancement, at (860) 408-3058 or ngrant@westminster-school.org. To make a gift to The Westminster Fund in support of students, faculty and programs, please click the button below. |