Jerry Chris, Ed.D., taught English, humanities, and Theory of Knowledge in Southern California for forty years. Throughout his career, he specialized in the extremes of the student ability spectrum—the gifted and talented, as well as reluctant and disadvantaged learners. He served as International Baccalaureate Coordinator at Mission Viejo High School from 1985 until 2008. In 1991 he became the first president of the California International Baccalaureate Organization (CIBO), the prototype for all the sub-regional groups in I.B. In 1998 he co-authored a senate bill that provided funds for teacher training within the California I.B. organization. He also served as an I.B. site visitor, evaluating I.B. school applicants; a Theory of Knowledge workshop leader, training both new and experienced TOK teachers; a TOK examiner; a school exam inspector; and an applicant school consultant. Dr. Chris has presented workshops on a variety of topics—including Socratic seminars, brain-compatible learning, differentiation, and critical thinking—at teacher training institutes and schools throughout North America, including the University of Southern California and Harvard University.

Among Dr. Chris’s many awards are three-time Mission Viejo High Teacher of the Year, California – Orange Region (GATE) Teacher of the Year, Disney Creative Challenge County Teacher of the Year, and the Crystal Apple from NBC. At the 2004 annual California Gifted Conference, he was given the Award of Recognition for a career of dedication to gifted education.