Since 2020 the Margaret C. Wright Memorial Alumni Award has provided over $100,000 to Gordon College graduates who strive to live out their faith while teaching in underserved communities. This year’s recipient, Claire Hoag ’22 ’23M, teaches history and current events just 10 miles from Gordon, at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School.  

“I am passionate about history education, almost to a fault,” shared Hoag. “But I recognize that my role is not limited to engaging students in historical inquiry. It encompasses creating a space where students feel seen, supported and empowered. [I’m reminded] daily that fostering their social-emotional growth is just as critical as academic instruction and integral to their academic success.” 

Meeting Student Needs  

Peabody High has a diverse student body: 60 percent of the student population is high-needs, 46 percent come from low-income households, 28 percent speak a first language other than English and 18 percent are English language-learners. Some face complex personal struggles and difficult home situations. 

“When a student is disengaged, missing assignments, glued to their phone, skipping class or even sleeping during lessons, I ask myself what underlying issue might be driving their behavior,” shared Hoag. “I have conversations with students, asking them about their life outside school, to build rapport with them and to learn about what might be influencing [them]. This approach allows me to meet students where they are and offer them the individualized support they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.” 

Recipients of the Wright Award are given $10,000 for their school and $10,000 for their own use. With her award money Hoag plans to expand her school’s “Bull Market,” a resource center that provides students with everything from clothes to toiletries to prom attire, as well as programs to help with students’ food insecurity. “The goal is to create a space that feels like a real store, fostering a sense of pride rather than shame for students who utilize it.” 

Teaching History and Critical Thinking 

When it comes to helping students succeed in the classroom, Hoag is committed to teaching the facts of historical events, from the U.S. Constitution's development to the Progressive era, as well as developing critical thinking skills. “I push students to become discerning consumers of information,” explained Hoag. “Through research, discussion and fact-checking exercises, students learn how to corroborate sources, identify bias and construct fact-based arguments. These skills are crucial for responsible civic engagement and critical decision-making.” 

Despite teaching the same historical topics every year, Hoag has found that because of their diverse backgrounds, students continually bring new perspectives and questions. “They'll say something, and I’ll think, 'I've never looked at it that way,' so [in a way, they’re] teaching me things about history with some of the questions they ask,” Hoag shared. “I can think of one student who's always asking these great questions, and sometimes he really stumps me! And so that encourages me to go and do research and then get back to him with answers to those questions." 

An Unwavering Commitment 

Hoag’s approach both in and out of the classroom comes from her belief that all students are made in the image of God. Before each school day she prays for her students, and when they face hardships because of their backgrounds or home life, she advocates for them.  

“Schools like Peabody often get unfairly judged because they don’t have state-of-the-art facilities, the newest technology or the highest test scores,” said Hoag. “But none of that diminishes the worth of the students I teach.” 

Teaching has reinforced the importance of leading with empathy, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to students' well-being. "Ultimately, my calling to Peabody is not just about teaching history—it is about serving with a heart rooted in Christ’s example,” said Hoag. “I am here to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly, knowing that in serving these students I am living out my faith in the most tangible way possible.” 

And as for Hoag’s personal $10,000 award? She plans to use it to pursue a Ph.D. in U.S. history, inspired by the strong education she received at Gordon College. “I was blessed to learn from brilliant professors, including Dr. Stephen Alter and Professor David Goss, who mentored me and shaped me into the historian and educator I am today. Without my history education at Gordon College, I would not be as effective in my teaching practice,” concluded Hoag.