For the past four decades, Mr. Christopher Fox has been an integral part of the Haverford arts program and community. Originally taking on a short-term one-year job at the school for the 1981-1982 school year, Mr. Fox has left an indelible mark, teaching thousands of students and shaping how the arts are taught.
As he embarks on his retirement, we must reflect on his immense contributions and the connections he has made over the years.
When Mr. Fox arrived at Haverford, he had no intentions of settling for long. After attending an art school, Mr. Fox planned only to paint as a career; teaching wasn’t in mind.
“It was supposed to be a one-year job. I couldn’t imagine teaching at a Main Line prep boys’ school. I had seen the stereotype of those schools in the movies, but I liked the challenge,” Mr. Fox said.
Mr. Fox has since tirelessly advocated for the development of the arts program.
“I tend to be pretty opinionated, and I don’t back down in pushing for what I believe in. We started with one 2D and 3D art class, and it has since been expanded to include digital art, woodworking, theater, and even video production,” Mr. Fox said. “We had video production here at Haverford even before many nearby universities, who then came and visited.”
At the beginning, Mr. Fox was one of just five art teachers.
“I proposed (new courses), and I was the first teacher of many of the new classes before bringing in people who really knew what they were doing to teach them. We now have eleven teachers,” Mr. Fox stated. “One of the great things about independent schools is that we can, as teachers, propose new ideas and make them happen. We can try out new things.”
Mr. Fox has also enjoyed seeing the cultural change at Haverford over the past four decades.
“It used to be a bit of a sink-or-swim atmosphere. We’ve done a better job of taking care of the boys while still keeping the curriculum rigorous,” Mr. Fox mentioned. “We’ve also come a long way from this pretty narrow student body—everyone, it seemed, lived nearby, went to the same churches, went to Merion Cricket Club. I’ve seen the school grow to become a much more inclusive and interesting place.”
Mr. Fox has taken great pride in having the privilege of teaching for so many years.
“It’s gratifying to hear from former students who have said that I’ve made some sort of impact on their lives. Every teacher wants to make a positive difference on their students. Since proposing and adding video and multimedia to the art curriculum, many students have gone on to be filmmakers, ” Mr. Fox said, “I’ve even taught many children of my previous students. It feels a bit weird, but it’s fun to see.”
Mr. Fox takes great delight in helping students grow.
“It’s the daily small things that have helped me continue to love teaching. For example, seeing the lightbulb go off in students,” Mr. Fox declared. “Teaching is about helping students have those moments of realization of learning something new. In a way, I enjoy teaching students who have very little prior knowledge more than those who already know a lot. I like to stay eternally optimistic that no matter how difficult the student is, I can help them learn and grow.”
Aside from his work in the classroom, Mr. Fox has also contributed to the track and field team as the pole vault coach.
“I always say, I missed a meeting, during which I was assigned to be the pole vault coach. However, I didn’t actually have any pole vault experience or knowledge,” Mr. Fox said. “So, I bought some books for pole vaulting and learned the technique, the physics, the motion of it. It was another good challenge. It’s part of the job at an independent school. Seeing where you can help the school.”
“I’ve spent two-thirds of my life here. It’s going to be weird not waking up at 5:30 to drive to Lancaster Avenue”
Mr. Christopher Fox
As Mr. Fox looks ahead to his retirement, he is excited, yet a little nervous.
“I’ve spent two-thirds of my life here. It’s going to be weird not waking up at 5:30 to drive to Lancaster Avenue,” Mr. Fox said. “I’m probably feeling something similar to what the current seniors are feeling. It will be hard to walk away from something that’s been such a big part of my life. However, I look forward to being able to spend more time with my wife, whom I met here in 1985, being able to travel when I want, and well, working in my own studio and riding my bike.”
Mr. Fox’s legacy at Haverford is not just one of high artistic or educational achievement, but one of human connection.
“A school is like a living organism. We all participate in it. There is no us or them, there is only an us,” Mr. Fox said. “I’ve had alumni from the 1980s reach out to me and tell me that they felt supported and comforted by me. It warms my heart to see the effects of things I did years ago; to take care of and teach lasting life lessons to so many kids.”
Mr. Fox plans to stay in touch with Haverford.
“I couldn’t possibly distance myself from the school. In fact, I will probably feel some gravitational pull towards Lancaster Avenue in September when the next school year starts,” Mr. Fox said. “What I do know for sure is that I will always be a Ford. Haverford is a part of me, and I will continue to come back for EA Days and more.”