Biography

Christopher Westcott joined the Upper Campus faculty in 2015 after spending 12 years as an educator in Shanghai, China. His experience with technology and mathematics were a perfect match for OVS, where he teaches AP Computer Science, Computer Science, and Robotics. Mr. Westcott earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education from Harding University and his Master’s in Educational Leadership and Academic Curriculum from Oklahoma University. When he gets downtime, he enjoys connecting with friends and family, hiking, and reading.

What students call you

Students call me Mr. Westcott. I am bit formal and a bit old fashioned about teacher and student relationships.

Favorite camping experience

My favorite outdoor experience with the school was going on the honors cross country ski trip, where I learned how to cross country ski and see some the beauty of Yosemite in the winter time. Cruising across untouched snow in the mountain woods was spiritually impacting.

Favorite place at Upper Campus

The Makerspace or home. But when I am not in there, I love walking the school’s “pi” course, a 3.14-mile loop through woods, avocado and citrus orchards. I also love sitting in the school’s outdoor chapel for some life reflection from time to time.

Coolest robot created in your classroom

The coolest thing I helped coach to build was a robot that could lift and place an object into a container that was 3-and-a-half times its own height.

Favorite book and why

My favorite piece of fiction is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which I first read as a teenager. I have never lost my love for its imagery and adventure. My favorite book, over all books, would be the Bible. It never gets old to me, and after having many of my questions resolved about this book as a teenager, it has since become a great source of wisdom, joy, and life revelation that I could get no where else, and I try to read from it often.