The Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Physics Teachers (INAAPT) has named Bishop Chatard teacher Gary Pritts its 2023 Physics Teacher of the Year. The award was presented to Mr. Pritts at the INAAPT’s 2023 spring meeting.
Mr. Pritts has been teaching at Bishop Chatard High School for 10 years. He teaches Physics, AP Physics, and Principals of Engineering, and serves as head coach of the school’s award-winning robotics team. He was named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by the National Society of High School Scholars in 2022.
Mr. Pritts makes a strong impression on both students and colleagues, Principal John Hasty said of his science department chair. He is an “inspiring educator who makes learning relevant, establishes rigor, and builds lifelong relationships.”
While Mr. Pritts has worked to shift the class toward Standards Based Grading to encourage students in the “productive struggle oriented toward growth,” his real strength, Mr. Hasty said, is in his “genuine investment in the whole person that empowers his teaching. His students know that he is passionate about physics, but they also know that he is personally invested in their wellbeing and success.”
Receiving an award from this accomplished peer community, Mr. Pritts said, provides encouragement to keep working hard. “Teaching is inherently a grind. You don’t reach a plateau and suddenly it is easy. Being recognized is encouragement to keep looking for the next opportunity to improve,” he added.
The INAAPT presents this award annually to an outstanding high school physics teacher. Recipients have had at least five years of teaching experience, show innovative instructional techniques, collaborate well with other teachers, and are leaders in science in their school.