Columbian teacher Chris Monsour earns national teaching award

Tiffin Columbian High School science teacher Chris Monsour has been selected as one of five recipients nationwide of the 2027 Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence. The NEA Foundation announced the honorees on Oct. 13.

Monsour, nominated by the Ohio Education Association, will receive $10,000 and is a finalist for the NEA Member Benefits Award. He and the other honorees will be recognized Feb. 12, 2027, at the Salute to Excellence in Education Gala at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

The Horace Mann honor follows his selection in September as one of 43 recipients of the 2027 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence. An expert panel selected the five Horace Mann recipients based on their classroom practice, work to expand student opportunities, community engagement, professional development and advocacy for the teaching profession.

“Congratulations to Chris on this well-deserved national honor. We are fortunate to have him at Columbian, where our students benefit from his passion for science and commitment to helping them succeed,” Superintendent Greg Williamson said. “Chris is a great example of the talent and dedication we have throughout Tiffin City Schools. Across our buildings, our teachers and staff put their knowledge, creativity and care into helping students learn and grow.”

Monsour’s teaching career spans more than 25 years. At Columbian, he teaches advanced science courses, including Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus biology, connecting challenging coursework with hands-on learning and experiences beyond the classroom.

In describing his teaching approach, Monsour said he especially enjoys opportunities for students to build and design models.

“I feel the students prefer to learn by doing as opposed to sitting on a computer,” Monsour said.

He also credited the colleagues who have helped shape his work: “I have been fortunate to have great colleagues at TC and have been able to collaborate and plan together.”

Monsour was named the 2026 Ohio Teacher of the Year, becoming the first Tiffin City Schools educator to receive the state honor. His previous recognitions also include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

The Horace Mann Awards for Teaching Excellence are supported by the Horace Mann Educators Foundation. The February gala will also feature documentary films highlighting the five honorees’ teaching and community impact.