Photo courtesy of Ross Mortenson
A teacher of Choate Summer Programs since 2010 and winter school since 2016, Dr. Cathryn Stout has contributed to the school community both in and beyond the classroom. Over her entire career at Choate, Dr. Stout taught English. Moreover, she has been a part of Choate Summer Programs, in which she currently serves as director of the Writing Workshop. During the school year, she has taught third, fifth, and sixth-formers, including the famously intense American Studies course.
“I would say my favorite part is teaching,” Dr. Stout said. “I like being in the classroom. That’s my joy, that’s my happy place.”
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Stout has enjoyed participating in other aspects of the school — advising, coaching, mentoring. She has advised in Pitman and coached intramural volleyball. A former journalist, she is also one of the co-advisers of The Choate News.
Being associated with the school for nearly ten years, Dr. Stout has appreciated her opportunity to witness changes in the community as Choate continues to evolve. “The new all gender dorm is a big addition, and the landscape of the place has changed with new buildings,” she said. She has enjoyed watching the construction of Lanphier, St. John Hall, and most recently, Colony Hall.
Throughout her time here, Dr. Stout has relished spending time with the people of the community. “My favorite memories would have to be my conversations with my Department Chair, Ellen Divine, who has just been an extraordinary boss and an extraordinary person, and I have valued her mentorship.”
Aside from the people, Dr. Stout will also have a hard time saying goodbye to her house on campus; this is the home where she and her husband began their marriage. Richardson House and the Choate campus hold more than a several valuable memories for her. In the near future, Dr. Stout plans to continue practicing her passions: teaching and mentoring students, developing academic curricula, and fostering scholarship.
