LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Chris Skaros was nominated by two anonymous students.

According to one student, his initial skepticism about a social studies class led to a pleasant surprise upon entering Mr. Skaros's classroom at the beginning of the semester. The student recalled, "I thought all we would talk about is George Washington and Alexander the Great. But I was wrong."

The student elaborated on Mr. Skaros's unique teaching style. Mr. Skaros took time to introduce himself and discuss the semester's curriculum, often weaving in anecdotes about his family and baseball. The student admitted, "I left that class saying this would be a much better social studies class."

Throughout the semester, Mr. Skaros engaged students by discussing current events, from serious global issues to lighter topics like upcoming Disney movies. The student noted, "For some reason, this made it easy to learn the information, and I learned more in his class than in any other class."

Aside from teaching, Mr. Skaros's role as JV baseball coach added an element of fun to the classroom. The student mentioned, "When baseball season started, he would play DJ Khaled's 'All I Do Is Win' song almost every day, celebrating his team's victories."

Sharing stories about his family made Mr. Skaros relatable to students, creating a friendly atmosphere in the classroom. Reflecting on the experience, the student expressed a newfound enthusiasm for social studies, saying, "I went from 'Ugh social studies class' to 'Every class after social studies sucks.'"

The student's favorite parts of the class were the engaging discussions on current events and the enjoyable atmosphere created by Mr. Skaros. In conclusion, the student believed that Mr. Skaros's approach to teaching made learning enjoyable while effectively covering the required material. The student remarked, "I think anyone will enjoy his American Problems class, and he is one of the best at keeping the class interesting but still teaching the material that needs to be taught."
 
Upon entering American Problems during junior year, another student initially didn't think much about the class. Having taken it at Arrowhead High School as an easy credit due to a lack of interest in social studies, the student's perspective quickly shifted as the class became a daily highlight for the remainder of the school year.

How Mr. Skaros taught and discussed various subjects opened the student's eyes to much more happening in daily life. They noted, "I don't think people realize how closed-minded we can be, especially regarding political and economic issues worldwide."

Mr. Skaros's teaching approach involved presenting diverse perspectives without taking sides. Instead, he prompted deeper thinking by asking questions like, "Why might they feel justified?" or "What positives and negatives came from this?" These questions encouraged the student to contemplate opposing viewpoints more profoundly, even if they didn't necessarily agree with them.

Mr. Skaros's openness extended beyond the classroom material.

"He has always been accepting of different types of people, including myself," the student noted. "Many teachers stereotype individuals like me with an alternative style and 'carefree' attitude as troublesome or antisocial. Mr. Skaros never made me feel excluded in this way, actively engaging me in discussions and jokes, just like he did with other students."

Furthermore, the student appreciated Skaros's humor, even if some jokes were repeated.

"It lightened the mood and positively impacted my day," they remarked. "Teachers sometimes forget that they teach a subject and shape the classroom environment. Mr. Skaros created a welcoming atmosphere for me and others, for which I am very grateful."

The student emphasized feeling comfortable and uncriticized in Skaros's classroom.

"I wanted to thank you for not only being a good teacher but also for being righteous and open-minded," the student concluded.