Move over middle-school kids — there’s a new big man on campus.

Ellis Middle School science teacher Tom Fritz has been named Teacher of the Year in Austin Public Schools.

Teachers of the Year are selected by a district committee from a number of nominees.

Fritz teaches eighth grade earth science and integrated physics technology at Ellis. He has taught there all seven years of his teaching career.

“I really enjoy it. I have always been interested in working with children. I enjoy working with students,” Fritz said.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Fritz worked in youth ministries.

Originally of New Jersey, Fritz moved to Minnesota to attend Owatonna’s Baptist College after high school. He and a friend followed his friend’s older sister Alicianne, who is now Fritz’s wife, to the North Star State.

In Minnesota, Fritz worked as a youth minister at various churches in Owatonna and Albert Lea, and also for FedEx Express before going back to school at Winona State University to become a teacher.

“Science was a subject that always stood out to me when I was in school. I have the curiosity and I like to ask questions. I like to explore and collect things,” he said.

Fritz tries to share that interest with his students, and aims to reach every student regardless of unique learning styles.

“I mix things up to reach the auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners,” he said.

Ellis principal Katie Berglund said connecting with students is one of Fritz’s strengths.

“Tom is not only extremely competent in his content area, he also has an incredible way about working with kids,” she said.

Berglund continued, “He has a calm demeanor. He is innovative and extremely professional.”

Fritz said his career plans consist of continuing his work with middle school kids at Ellis.

“I like this age group. They are really fun, and have so much energy,” he said.

He also plans to stick with his adopted home state.

“There is a slower pace of life here and it is a nice place to raise a family,” Fritz said.

He and Alicianne have a 12-year-old daughter Brianna, and 5-year-old twins Hannah and Tommy.

Fritz and 17 Teachers of Excellence will be honored at a celebration Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. in the Ellis Middle School commons.

Teachers of Excellence are those who were nominated for Teacher of the Year.

The Teachers of Excellence are Linda Vilt, Austin High School; Dave Brown, Ellis Middle School; Terry Becker-Ersland, Austin High School; Jaci Wright, Ellis Middle School; LuAnn Allen, Ellis Middle School; Jessica Thoma, Sumner Elementary; Heather Wittstruck-Egtvedt, Southgate; Amanda Lester, Ellis Middle School; Sue Conway, Banfield Elementary; Dorothy Krob, Southgate Elementary; Colleen Owens, Austin High School; Dewey Hagen, Austin High School; Kristi Kreun, Ellis Middle School; Sarah Shultz, Ellis Middle School; Dorran Rickert, Southgate Elementary; Ann Sundal, Southgate Elementary; and Tammy Watkins, Southgate Elementary.

A State Teachers of the Year will be named National Teacher of the Year by a national selection committee, representing the major national education organizations, in April.