The School Buzz: Mesa Ridge HS history teacher goes above and beyond

A teacher at Mesa Ridge High School is going above and beyond for his students, dipping his toe in history, as an English teacher.  

Sherri Landis is a new, fellow teacher at the D-3 high school, who nominated Chris Varano for The School Buzz. She said there are several factors that set Mr. Varano apart from the rest. 

First, is his selflessness. 

“My first interaction with Chris was him making all of his notebooks and files available to me --all of them, whatever I wanted or needed,” she said. “It wasn't about his pride in what he has created; it was about what's best for kids, and it's always about the students with Chris. I've never had a teacher approach me with such openness to sharing anything that I might need. 

Next, is the passion and energy he brings to the classroom, something Landis says one can hear down the hallway.  

“He understands best practices when it comes to engagement strategies, and he skillfully weaves these techniques into his lessons, keeping his students on the edges of their seats for the entire block. It's about what's best for kids. He makes it happen,” said Landis. 

Finally, and, possibly, most notably, it’s the fact that Mr. Varano is an English teacher, who is stepping up to teach AP U.S. history because it’s what the school, and its students, need.  

“Students who don't typically take AP courses sign up for his class because he's that kind of teacher,” said Landis. “His sections are bulging with kids. And did I mention he teaches a section of the Avid elective?  His Avid students recently achieved more merit and honor roll statuses than any of the other Avid sections in our building. It's because his focus is always set on what's best for our students,” she said.  

Do you know something or someone remarkable at your school? Email us! Schoolbuzz@krdo.Com.