For the past thirteen years, Concord Academy’s beloved mathematics teacher, Cory Chapman, has taught multiple problem-solving courses ranging from Trigonometry to Accelerated Pre-Calculus. Beyond the classroom, Chapman has served as a house parent for the Bradford House since 2013 and has led student groups in community service each winter at Concord Park Senior Living.
While Chapman was born in Ireland, he grew up in southern New Hampshire—spending a lot of his time living in New England. In his early school years, he grew particularly passionate about subjects such as physics and mathematics. When reflecting on what he wanted to do in the future, Chapman said, “I knew I wanted to do something more active and social. I wanted to help the world as cliché as it sounds.” Soon after, Chapman attended the University of New Hampshire, where he initially studied as a physics major—and then settled with a math education program. After college, Chapman worked at Andover Public High School as a mathematics teacher for fifteen years, and he later joined the CA community in 2012.
At CA, Chapman’s favorite course to teach is Trigonometry. In terms of his favorite mathematical topics, he said, “Specifically, my favorite topic is actually more of an Accelerated Pre-Calculus topic, which is ‘proof by induction’. It's just a really neat system of logic because it creates a sort of domino effect that ties it all together—a different structure from general geometric proofs.” As a teacher, Chapman ensures that the learning material is engaging with multiple ways of learning through group activities, in-class discussions, and workbook lessons. With this dynamic and interactive approach, students are able to tackle real-world problems and approach trickier challenges with different perspectives.
Surprisingly, Chapman’s journey to CA was marked by a series of unexpected opportunities. Thirteen years ago, while teaching at Andover Public High School, he took on a summer teaching position at Phillips Academy Andover. There, he met Amy Kumpel, a former CA teacher. Their conversations about the differences between public and private schools sparked his curiosity. After two summers of teaching and learning about a job opening at CA, Chapman decided to apply. Today, Chapman cannot imagine leaving. He loves the rhythm of the academic year, the students, and the subject he teaches. For him, teaching at CA is deeply fulfilling. Chapman stated, “If more people in the world loved their jobs as much as I do, the world would be a much happier place.”
Outside the classroom, Chapman has a diverse range of hobbies and interests, many of which center around staying active and enjoying the outdoors. He is an avid hockey player, a sport he initially got involved in through his children but has since grown to love. As of today, Chapman continues to play in an adult ice hockey league and often watches Boston Bruins games. Additionally, Chapman believes in the importance of physical fitness and prioritizes working out regularly. He and his wife, who is also a teacher at the Fessenden School, spend their summers and weekends at their home in Falmouth, on Cape Cod, where they enjoy beaching, boating, fishing, and long walks with their dog. Chapman’s love for the ocean even extends to his tattoos, including one featuring a maritime flag with the letters “CC”, which represents both his initials and Cape Cod, giving it a fun double meaning.
Chapman cannot fully express how grateful he is for having the chance to be part of the CA community. When asked what his favorite part of CA was, he said, “It is the fact that everybody is on the same page and working together—all dedicated to putting their best foot forward. I just really appreciate that—they bring their passions, interests, and love of learning with them every day.”