Andrew Christian’s career has been anything but ordinary. From his beginnings as an archaeologist to his current role as a math and computer teacher – and a robotics and E-sports coach at Sahuaro High School, his path has been shaped by his love for learning and educating.

Before stepping into the classroom, Mr. Christian spent several years working as an archaeologist, using his Bachelor of Science in Geology. “I traveled up and down the East Coast.  I lived in tents, Army barracks, and hotels.  I had a dig in Watertown, New York where we found a long house from a native tribe, and a dig in Delaware where we found a burial site.  I only owned a motorcycle, so I would ride it state-to-state between digs, with all my possessions in a duffel bag on my back, and a guitar strapped to the side.”  It was a career that took him to many places, and while the job was exciting, the constant movement from place to place left him yearning for a stable home. So then Mr. Christian worked as a contractor doing tilling, drywall, and general carpentry after he moved on from archaeology. This hands-on work was rewarding, but he sought a career that offered him more time with his family, and teaching provided that.

With encouragement from his aunt, a retired teacher in Tucson, he decided to pursue a career in education and began teaching math at Mansfield Middle School; soon he set his sights on teaching upper-level math and coaching at the high school level, which is where Sahuaro came in 23 years ago after he obtained his Master’s in Education from Champman University.

Mr. Christian’s passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom. As the Sahuaro Robotics Club coach, he finds immense joy in watching students bring their creative ideas to life: “It’s so fun to see what the kids come up with.” He describes the club as a welcoming environment where even shy students can shine and interact. Robotics, he notes, has a lasting impact on students and helps them foster skills and passions that extend beyond high school and into the rest of their lives.

Teaching six different classes daily means that Mr. Christian’s schedule is cram-packed and varied. He ensures each class is well prepared by approaching them all with the same enthusiasm. “I enjoy all my classes, so it helps,” he shares.

Even outside the classroom, Mr. Christian remains busy, continuously working on projects and staying updated with the latest trends in education and tech. He regularly collaborates with other computer science teachers in the district to share ideas and stay up to date with teaching standards.

One of Mr. Christian’s proudest moments at Sahuaro was coaching the Girls’ Track and Field team to win the state championship. “We worked hard for years, so winning a state championship was very exciting,” he recalls, viewing this victory as a testament to his dedication and the rewarding outcomes of his efforts.

This dedication is part of Mr. Christian’s ultimate goal to instill a love for learning in his students, particularly in computer science and robotics. He wants them to understand how technology plays a crucial role in their lives and encourages exploration through field trips to places like Pima Community College’s Cyber Warfare Range.

Mr. Christian’s commitment to his students and passion for teaching demonstrates his deep care for education and Sahuaro High School. His journey from archaeology to teaching stands as a testament to the power of following one’s interests and dreams. He values the flexibility teaching gives him, especially as allows him to spend more time with his children and take them to their cabin in Minnesota during the summers. He continues to inspire students and colleagues alike to embrace learning and strive for excellence.