From Army field artillery captain to pharmaceutical sales representative to 6th grade social studies teacher, Coach Christopher Norwood has followed in his father Michael Norwood’s footsteps.

The elder Mr. Norwood served in both the Air Force and the Army before teaching P.E., coaching football, tennis, track, and basketball, and then serving as assistant principal at Kimmons for eight years. In fact, Coach Norwood was born on an Air Force base in Hawaii! During his own time as a soldier, Coach Norwood deployed during wartime twice -– Afghanistan and Iraq.

“My favorite duty station was Fort Bragg, North Carolina, because it was an elite military base where you had the Green Berets, Rangers, 18th Airborne Corp, and 82nd Airborne Corp,” Coach Norwood said. “It was highly competitive, and I loved that atmosphere.”

Aside from serving in the military, Coach Norwood’s father also inspired him to become a teacher because of his passion and his love of teaching.

“I wanted to become a teacher and coach to make a real difference in the lives of children,” Coach Norwood said.

Coach Norwood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and a Masters degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University.

As a social studies teacher, Coach Norwood’s biggest challenge is understanding students’ different learning difficulties.

“I want to ensure that I give every student the best chance to succeed,” Coach Norwood said.

Outside of school, the athletic Coach Norwood loves working out, swimming, and going on vacation with his family.

“I also enjoy watching my son Dreydon play football for the Mizzou Tigers and my daughter Krislin cheer for the Northside Grizzly freshman squad,” Coach Norwood said.