Chris Bessonette

Chris’s path, like a great hiking trail, has been full of twists and turns. Originally from a small town in western Oregon, he has lived in Austria, California, and Germany, teaching outdoor education and working in independent schools. Chris first moved to Jackson to teach at Teton Science Schools’ Journeys School. After fourteen years teaching at a dual language immersion public school, he will now lead Mountain Academy as the Head of School. Chris received a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wyoming.

Additionally, he studied language acquisition and holds an English as a Second Language teaching endorsement. He is also a National Board Certified Teacher, a National Geographic Certified Teacher, and was honored as a Milken Educator in 2018. An avid adventurer, he has guided expeditions for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) as a backpacking and rock climbing instructor. Chris recently completed a new educational adventure by studying bilingual education in Taiwan on a Fulbright teacher research program. He lives in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife and teenage son.