



Ohio Teacher of the Year 2026: Tiffin science teacher Christopher Monsour honored


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Tiffin Science Teacher Christopher Monsour Named Ohio Teacher of the Year 2026
In a glittering ceremony held in the Ohio Statehouse last week, Tiffin High School’s own Christopher Monsour was crowned Ohio Teacher of the Year for 2026—a title that carries a lifetime of respect, a $5,000 stipend, and a national spotlight for the winning educator. The award, presented by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), recognizes a teacher who not only excels in the classroom but also uplifts the community, inspires future generations, and champions innovative practices in STEM education.
From Classroom to Statehouse: The Journey
Monsour’s path to the award began, as all finalists do, with a nomination by his district. The Tiffin City School District’s superintendent, Dr. Susan K. Lee, was quick to applaud Monsour’s “unwavering commitment to student curiosity and rigorous inquiry.” In an online interview with the district’s website, Ms. Lee cited his “unparalleled mentorship of students who go on to pursue STEM degrees at Ohio State, Michigan State, and beyond” as a key reason for his nomination.
Once the district’s nomination was received, the ODE’s Teacher of the Year selection committee—composed of educators, district leaders, and community stakeholders—reviewed hundreds of applications. The committee’s criteria focus on excellence in teaching, professional growth, and the candidate’s impact on the school and community. The committee, after a month of deliberations and visits to schools, announced Monsour as one of the six state finalists on September 2, 2025.
The finalists each delivered a “teacher’s manifesto” during the state finalist showcase—a week-long series of workshops, performances, and presentations across Ohio’s educational hubs. Monsour’s manifesto, “Science with a Soul,” highlighted his philosophy that “science is not a set of facts but a way of thinking.” It was delivered in a short film that incorporated footage of his students conducting experiments on local wetlands and participating in robotics competitions.
A Legacy of STEM Innovation
Monsour’s career at Tiffin High School began in 2008 when he joined as a biology teacher. Over the past 15 years, he expanded his role into a full-blown STEM leader, creating a state‑of‑the‑art “Green Lab” that uses algae cultures, composting systems, and renewable‑energy simulations. The lab has since become a model for other Ohio schools, with Monsour speaking at the 2024 National STEM Conference in Washington, D.C. for his “Algae‑Powered Renewable Energy” project—a hands‑on curriculum that has earned his students three state awards for best science fair projects.
In addition to classroom work, Monsour has built partnerships with local industry. A notable collaboration with Tiffin’s leading manufacturing firm, Advanced Manufacturing Inc., brings students on field‑trip tours of the production line, where they learn about process engineering and automation. According to a press release from the company, “Mr. Monsour’s partnership has increased student engagement in STEM courses by 45% over the past two years.”
Monsour also mentors new teachers. In the past year, he has run a weekly professional development series titled “Inquisitive Pedagogy,” focusing on inquiry‑based learning and inclusive teaching practices. “He’s the go‑to mentor for teachers looking to redesign their labs and integrate data analysis into everyday science lessons,” says Ms. Lee.
Student Success and Community Impact
The impact of Monsour’s teaching is most clearly seen in his students’ achievements. In 2024, 15 of his biology students earned admission to the Ohio State University’s College of Engineering on scholarships, and his robotics team won the regional championship. In 2025, a group of his students developed a low‑cost water‑filtration prototype that was used in a local outreach program for under‑resourced schools in neighboring counties.
A recent video posted on the district’s YouTube channel, featuring interviews with former students, underscores the lasting influence of Monsour’s guidance. “He taught me to think critically and to never be afraid of failure,” says Maya Patel, who earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Michigan State University. “He made science a conversation, not a lecture.”
Recognition and Future Directions
At the ceremony, the Ohio Governor applauded Monsour’s “dedication to fostering scientific curiosity in the next generation.” Monsour accepted the award and said, “This is not just a personal honor; it’s a testament to the community that supports science education. I will use this platform to advocate for increased funding for STEM labs across the state.”
The ODE’s Teacher of the Year award includes a one‑year mentorship opportunity, where the winner will partner with the Department’s STEM initiative to design state‑wide professional development modules. Monsour has already begun drafting a curriculum module titled “Data‑Driven Inquiry: From Field Observation to Classroom Analysis,” which aims to help teachers incorporate real‑world data into their lessons.
The Bigger Picture
Monsour’s recognition comes at a time when Ohio, like many states, is grappling with teacher shortages and a growing emphasis on STEM readiness. The ODE’s annual award is part of a broader strategy to showcase exemplary educators, attract new talent to the profession, and highlight the critical role teachers play in preparing students for the 21st‑century workforce.
In the words of Ms. Lee, “Christopher has been a beacon for our district. His passion and innovation embody the spirit of the Ohio Teacher of the Year, and we are thrilled to see him bring that spirit to the entire state.”
For more details on the Ohio Teacher of the Year program, visit the ODE’s official page at https://www.ohio.gov/education/teacher-of-the-year. To explore Christopher Monsour’s teaching portfolio, head over to the Tiffin City School District’s educator profile page. And to stay updated on his upcoming projects and public talks, follow his personal website at https://monsourscience.com.
Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/education/2025/09/ohio-teacher-of-the-year-2026-tiffin-science-teacher-christopher-monsour-honored.html ]