Meet the Teacher: Minnetonka High School’s Christopher Pears

After sixteen years in business, Christopher Pears decided to try something new. His experiences coaching kids in soccer led him to consider a new career as a high school teacher.

Since 2005 Pears has taught at . He teaches Advanced Placement comparative politics, International Baccalaureate (IB) theory of knowledge, and IB economics.

Pears enjoys teaching high level courses, saying that they challenge him to stay current in his subjects. He doesn’t want to simply teach students theory or facts to memorize; he wants them apply what they learn to the real world.

One of the keys to teaching, Pears said, is to be “willing to see kids develop new skills and knowledge. They gain a sense of ownership as they’re learning.”

He should know. Pears was one of the 2011 recipients of the Child Centered Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes excellent teachers who are student-focused.

Pears explained that such awards highlight the school district’s commitment to students and quality teaching. He felt honored to receive it.

“It’s nice to be recognized for the commitment that I make to the class room,” he said.

Pears also helped pioneer Minnetonka High School's international studies program. Students partner and complete assignments with students who live in other countries, such as China, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

As part of the program, some students travel abroad and visit their partner student’s school. Minnetonka High School also receives visits from international students.

Currently, Pears is the advisor to the Dutch and German programs. It is the perfect fit for Pears, who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa and received a degree in history from Oxford University. Pears also travels extensively, especially in the summer, he said.