THOMASVILLE- Bishop Hall is proud to announce Coach Chad Ward as its Teacher of the Year, recognizing his 15 years of dedicated service at the school and 18 years in Thomas County Schools. Over the course of his career, Ward has made a significant impact on his students and community.

Ward currently teaches Health, Personal Fitness, Physical Conditioning, and Social Skills, shaping students’ physical and mental well-being. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Georgia Southwestern State University, and two Master’s degrees: one in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University, and another in Christian Studies. He also holds several certifications, including E-Learning & Development Specialist, Drivers Education Instructor, Level 1 USA Track and Field, and Google Level 1 Certified Educator.

“Both of my parents were educators,” Ward shared, citing his father’s 35 years teaching History and his mother’s 33 years as a librarian as his inspiration. “It was a natural path for me.”

His teaching philosophy centers on empowering students to take ownership of their health.

“I focus on helping them understand that health is a lifelong journey,” Ward explained. “The skills and habits they develop now will serve them well in the future.”

The aspect of teaching at Bishop Hall that Ward enjoys the most is the opportunity to witness student growth.

“Seeing students develop their skills and make positive changes is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

He employs various strategies to engage and inspire his students, including active learning, building strong relationships, and incorporating storytelling. “I try to connect the material to students’ everyday lives,” he stated, emphasizing the relevance of fitness and health topics to their interests.

One particularly memorable moment involved a student struggling with pull-ups.

“He was hesitant, convinced he couldn’t do it,” Ward recalled. “Through encouragement and modified exercises, the student eventually achieved two pull-ups. The look on his face was priceless, a mix of shock, pride, and pure joy. He learned that with persistence, he could overcome any obstacle.”

Ward is dedicated to supporting students facing academic or personal challenges.

“I create a space where students feel comfortable discussing their struggles,” he explained. “Regular check-ins allow me to identify challenges early and offer support.”

Ward also emphasizes collaboration and teamwork in his teaching approach. “It builds social skills, encourages accountability, and provides them with real-world skills,” he noted.

Looking to the future, Ward aims to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and have access to the resources they need to succeed.

“My goal is to ensure every student, regardless of background or ability, feels supported,” he added.

Bishop Hall and Thomas County Schools congratulate Coach Ward on this well-deserved recognition for years of service to his school community.