After being one of the top five candidates, biology teacher Chris Ham was chosen as the 2019-2020 Frisco ISD as Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“I was so incredibly excited to have Mr. Ham won teacher of the year,” principal Ashley Rainwater said. “Like many of you I was watching it live at home and could not have been prouder when his name was called.  Mr. Ham represents so many of our amazing teachers that work tirelessly each day, I know they are amazing, our students and families know they are amazing, but there is something special about having the entire district recognize that he is a master teacher.”

Ham believes his outlook on school separates himself from other staff members.

“I don’t think I can pinpoint to certain characteristics,” Ham said. “From a bigger picture perspective, I see school as a place for students to not just learn content but a place to experience, grow,  and learn about themselves. So I always try to see things beyond Biology and provide opportunities for students to grow and experience all aspects of life.”

Rainwater admires Ham’s drive in the classroom.

“I think there are two traits that best describe Mr. Ham,” Rainwater said. “First he is always willing to take risks.  His classroom is an environment where he is always looking for new ways to teach his students.  Whether it be a lab, a discussion, technology, he will try multiple ways to help his students succeed.  The second thing is his servant leadership. He is always willing to help others.  Whether it is a student in his class, a fellow teacher, a club or a committee. He is selfless with his time and is always willing to go above and beyond.”

Other than teaching, Ham is representative of the core values on campus.

“At Liberty High School our core values are painted in the rotunda:  Collaboration, Integrity, Innovation and Community,” Rainwater said. “Mr. Ham is an excellent example of all four of these values.  I think the students in his class can attest to his innovation and his integrity.  He collaborates with other teachers and is always willing to be reflective and learn from others.  Any student in one of Mr. Ham’s clubs can see his commitment to supporting our school community.” 

Teaching for Ham is all about the bigger picture.

“I think having the big picture is important in lessons,” Ham said. “Fundamentally, every student will learn and interpret things differently. That needs to be built-in. I use a variety of teaching tools to diversify my instruction. Before I teach, I expect some students to struggle, and some students to understand everything instantly. Having a plan to respond to both struggling and succeeding students is really important to me.”