Faculty Spotlight: Martha Whittington
Martha Whittington works one on one with a student in her Algebra 2 class.
“The great thing about sports is that focus and determination can take you pretty far.” says Martha Whittington. “There is much to be learned about perseverance and working as a team. I’ve always loved being a part of a team.”
Martha has been part of the Gould team for 18 years. She has done almost every job here at Gould, and is currently in the Mathematics Department, and the Director of International Students Programs.
One team that many Gouldies might not know Martha was a part of was the United States National Field Hockey Team. She only played two years in high school, but tried out for the team at Colgate University (where she also played lacrosse) and ended up playing four years as a goalkeeper. “After my sophomore year I made the US Squad and was part of that team until I retired from play in 1982,” Martha recalls. She still holds the Colgate record for shutouts.
Martha during her time in the net for Team USA.
It was a passion for field hockey that led Martha to a career in teaching. After college she was looking for a job where she could have summers to compete and have time to train. Teaching fit the bill. Even after injuries cut her career short, she channeled her energy into coaching and the classroom. After teaching and coaching at Nichols School, Yale University, Westminster School, Vermont Academy, and the Castilleja School, and getting her Master’s Degree at Harvard University, Martha settled at Gould with her husband, current Dean of Academics, Thomas Whittington.
“Gould has everything we were looking for in a school,” remembers Martha. “A true community surrounded by mountains and boundless energy!”
We are lucky to have Martha as part of this community and hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about her.
Faculty Spotlight Q & A
Name: Martha Whittington
High School: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake HS (New York)
College/Grad School: B.A. Colgate University | M.Ed. Harvard University
Proudest Achievement: Playing field hockey for USA; watching my international students graduate (and then come back to visit!)
Last book I read: The Last Painting of Sarah De Vos by Dominic Smith
Movie I would recommend: American President (1995)
Favorite food: My strawberry pecan bread
One word that describes me: Helper
Best advice I ever received: Live into it
Why Gould?
It’s a place with great opportunity for everyone.
What’s the last thing you crossed off your bucket list?
Great Wall of China, Croatia (Dubrovnik)
Vintage Colgate Field Hockey. Note the bamboo leg guards and lack of helmet!
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