Arizona teacher J. Christopher “Chris” Ackerly is a science and math educator from Tucson, Arizona, who also served in his state’s House of Representatives. Photo credit: Amphitheater High School.

There are many hardworking educators throughout our country who have also achieved success as politicians. One of these is John Christopher “Chris” Ackerly, a science and math educator who was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives.

Chris was born and raised in Arizona, primarily in the Tucson area. He graduated from Green Fields High School in 1990. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Science from Northern Arizona University in 1999.

After 18 years as an educator, Chris made a bid for elected office. He was elected on the Republican ticket to represent District 2. He served there from 2015 to 2017. While in the Arizona House of Representatives, Chris served as the Chair of the Government and Higher Education Committee; he was a former member of the Committee on Children and Family Affairs; and he was a former member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. As a legislator, Chris worked diligently for increased school funding, greater support for more resources for the classroom, an increase in structured sober living homes, and greater support for owners of mobile homes.

Once he left office, Chris returned to his position as a teacher of Physics and Mathematics at Amphitheater High School in Tucson. He has also taught Statistics and Geometry, and K-8 Science and Technology. In addition, Chris serves on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Education Association.

To read more about Chris, see his website at Amphitheater High School.