2013 Teacher of the Year

Christopher Benshoof Named Alaska Teacher of the Year

Christopher Benshoof, a mathematics teacher at Lathrop High School in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, was named Alaska Teacher of the Year 2013 at the annual conference of the Association of Alaska School Boards in Anchorage on November 4, 2012. Christopher’s term will begin January 1, 2013.

"Mr. Benshoof represents the many Alaska teachers who selflessly serve their students and their communities," said Alaska Education Commissioner Mike Hanley in a statement. "The Teacher of the Year award reminds us to be grateful for the many successes in Alaska’s school."

"Chris Benshoof’s dedication to the profession is incredible. He cares about kids and he cares about learning. He never loses sight of the target and he has given freely of his time and energy to work with students throughout his career" said Fairbanks School District Superintendent Pete Lewis.

Benshoof has taught for four years, all in his present position. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction, both from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

"True success in teaching comes when students are both able and willing to ask mathematical questions of the world around them, and then use their knowledge and intuition to explore the question, develop their own answer, and communicate their results to their peers," Benshoof said in his application for Teacher of the Year. "All of this only happens when students and families work alongside teachers and administrators to meet the varied needs of each student."