Chambo the Change-Maker

by Carl Gasowski

Circa 2014, there was a computer lab in the Computer Building on the High School campus, and the Technology Department resided there. It was around then that Bill Chamberlain planted the seed that resulted in the growth and relocation of the department into today’s STEAMworks (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) space located in Alexander Building. It was also around that time that I spent 101 school days coming up with 101 nicknames for Chamberlain. Most of them were meant to evoke a daily laugh from Bill, but the final nickname, “Chambo the Change-Maker,” was full of serious intent and reflects the positive impact he has had during his career at Landmark High School. 

It was 1997 when Chamberlain started working here, and over the years his commitment to the students, staff, and community has been nothing short of inspiring. Rooted deep down in his approach to teaching is a desire to understand people, a desire to help people to understand themselves, and a desire to build community. His influence branched out well beyond the expectations that come with being the Technology Department head, and included campus-wide interdisciplinary events, establishing student groups, taking students on trips near and far, faculty trainings, schoolwide initiatives, and so much more.  

Dedicated to the folks around him, Chamberlain often saw opportunity in helping students and staff to realize their potential and to implement positive change for the Landmark community. This included the tremendous amount of work that he put into developing the STEAMworks Technology Department space into what it is today. He also saw opportunity in having fun, particularly with innovative games, including a game played during an entire course called Sense of Time. Chamberlain and Bill Barrett, current head of the High School, developed the course to teach study and executive function skills through learning about the history of human civilization. It often seemed his rules for games and activities were constantly evolving, but it was all part of his constant quest to seek what was best for the students and teachers that he interacted with.  

As Chamberlain would say at the end of every email, thanks for playing. And to you Bill, thanks for being a far-reaching and highly influential member of our community.

We will miss you. 

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