At Wharton High School, Christi Atkinson is doing far more than teaching science; she is shaping future environmental leaders and elevating excellence across campus. Serving as head of the science department, she teaches Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)/Cambridge Marine Science and AICE Environmental Science, where her students consistently outperform global averages in these rigorous courses. With more than 20 years of experience in content development and learning, and 14 of those years dedicated to Hillsborough County Public Schools, Atkinson brings deep expertise, innovation and heart to every classroom and collaboration.

Her leadership extends beyond her students to mentoring fellow educators and strengthening academic programs schoolwide. It’s no surprise that she was recently named the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards winner, earning the title of Teacher. Atkinson represents the very best of Hillsborough County Public Schools, a true gem for students in our community.

TBPM: You’ve dedicated more than 20 years to education, including 14 with HCPS. When did you first realize teaching was your calling?

CA: I have always enjoyed teaching. It started when I was a scuba diving instructor. It was rewarding watching individuals become excited learning and experiencing the water in a completely new environment! That evolved into teaching high school and wanting to continue to share my love of science with students. I don’t think I ever realized it was my calling until more recently when I reflect back on the number of students who have expressed how much they appreciated learning new things in my class and/or how much fun they had.

TBPM: You’ve been honored as Teacher of the Year for your campus and are now carrying that title for Hillsborough County Public Schools. What does that recognition represent to you beyond the title?

CA: Being selected as this year’s Teacher of the Year has been such an honor and privilege! I work and have worked with so many amazing individuals that I feel like this is an opportunity to represent not only myself but all of my coworkers and those whom I have admired as mentor teachers when I started! I also believe this recognition carries great responsibility on my part. I want to maintain my commitment and continue to take proactive steps that somehow impacts ALL students in Hillsborough County, not just mine.

TBPM: Your AICE Marine Science students consistently exceed global performance averages. How do you inspire students to rise to that level of excellence?

CA: I believe in them, and I let them know it. Initially, students might not be comfortable with the challenges that the class and the curriculum bring, but I advise them to be patient and to persevere. I engage my students and make connections to them. I hope to make learning fun. I provide hand-on examples and visuals to make the material more relatable and interesting and I am constantly having them recall information that they learned weeks ago and apply it to new material!

TBPM: With a background in Marine Biology and experience teaching at Texas A&M at Galveston, how do you bring authentic, real-world science into your classroom?

CA: My background and experience in the field of Marine Biology has allowed me to bring real life experience and examples to the classroom! I was fortunate enough to conduct research in the field both above and below the water. Having this knowledge makes the transition to teaching the material easier.

TBPM: Living in the Tampa Bay area, students are surrounded by unique ecosystems. Why is environmental literacy so important for the next generation?

CA: The environment impacts all of us and everything we do has a lasting effect! It’s up to us how we take care of our home, our world! Even if students do not have a direct involvement/career with the environment, they will all be future voters and have a say what happens. I want my students to understand the relationship and impact every choice they have can make on the environment, even the little ones like not always using a straw, or plastic bags.

TBPM: How do you help students see themselves as future problem-solvers, innovators or leaders in these fields?

CA: I require all students to collaborate with their peers and think for themselves while actively listening to the views and ideas of others. I encourage them to use logical, rational thinking, which is paramount today given that technology and the information it provides, while easily accessed, is not always accurate or appropriate to the situation.

TBPM: You’ve secured grants to ensure students can participate in meaningful field experiences. Why do hands-on opportunities matter so much in shaping confidence and curiosity?

CA: We learn by doing, applying/relating what you’ve learned in class to hands on opportunities. Students move from the textbook to practice, from tangible to intangible. What they learn in the classroom is not always what they experience in the field. Having that experience builds confidence and ignites curiosity.

TBPM: As a department leader and mentor, how do you cultivate excellence — not only in students, but in fellow educators?

CA: I lead by example. I celebrate the hard work and goals accomplished while at the same time, I urge students and teachers to try new things and seek new ways to improve their learning or teaching. I encourage teachers and students to share their successes and struggles with each other with the end goal always being to perform better!

TBPM: When students leave your classroom, what mindset or belief about themselves do you hope stays with them long after graduation?

CA: I want my students to remember that somebody cares about them and want them to look back and realize that all the hard work they put in paid off in the classroom. I want them to know that even though they may not be a future scientist, the ability to think and problem-solve is everywhere in their life! I would be remise if I didn’t end with, I hope I have instilled in them a deep respect for the water and the environment.

TBPM: If there is anything else you want to share, please feel free to add it here:

CA: I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to be recognized as a Teacher To Know! It is truly an honor! I’d also like to encourage individuals to remember a teacher who might have influenced or supported them as a student and let that teacher know the impact they made! It is never too late to say Thank you!

Originally published in the March 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

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Teacher to Know: Christi Atkinson, Hillsborough County Public Schools Teacher of the Year