Hello. I am Chris Schwenneker and the 2023-24 school year marks year three for me as the Life Skills teacher at Ridgefield High School. I go by Mr. Chris in the classroom.    I have worked in  special education since 2017,  first as a paraeducator in the Vancouver School District, and then as special education teacher in the Evergreen and Battle Ground school districts.  Before that, I spent 21 years working as a youth and family minister. It was there  that I discovered the joy that comes from  supporting and working alongside  students with learning challenges and their families.  

As a teacher in special education, my daily goal  is that my  students leave knowing they are safe, are valued by their peers and teachers,  and recognize they have much to contribute to their world.  With that mindset, along with a partnership with parents,  our teaching staff, and our greater Ridgefield community, I believe there is  unlimited potential for student growth.  

When not teaching,  I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two daughters.  Our family first moved to Ridgefield in the summer of 2017 and we have fallen in love with this small but growing town.  Our youngest daughter is going into 6th grade at Sunset Ridge and our oldest is a class of 2022 RHS graduate and is starting her second year at Clark College.   I am looking forward to another great year at RHS!  Go Spudders!