Norman Public Schools -

For Dr. Bryan Frenette, teaching science isn’t just about textbooks and experiments—it’s about sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Since joining Norman High School in 2019, Dr. Frenette has dedicated himself to making biology an engaging and accessible subject for all students.

Dr. Frenette’s journey to education began in the world of research. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from the University of Oklahoma, he pursued a Ph.D. at Kansas State University, focusing on the ecology of freshwater fish across the Great Plains. Teaching college courses as a graduate student ignited his passion for education, and by the time he finished his doctorate, he knew his path lay in the classroom rather than the research lab.

Originally from a small town in New Brunswick, Canada, Dr. Frenette moved to Oklahoma as a high school junior when his parents took jobs at a paper mill in Lawton. The transition from Canada’s cooler climate to Oklahoma’s intense summers was an adjustment, but one that ultimately shaped his future. His personal experience as an immigrant gives him a unique perspective, one that he often shares with students who have similar stories.

At Norman High, Dr. Frenette teaches both on-level and AP Biology, where he strives to create an environment where every student feels they belong in science. “A lot of students come into my classroom not feeling like they’re ‘science people.’ My goal is to help them discover that science is for everyone,” he says. “If a student leaves my class excited about science—maybe even considering it as a career—then I know I’ve done my job.”

His impact extends beyond just the curriculum. Dr. Frenette finds particular fulfillment in working with his seventh-hour class, composed entirely of multilingual learners. “Every student in that room is an immigrant, myself included. We represent eight different languages, and the connections we build are incredible. I end my day inspired by their stories and perspectives.”

Outside of the classroom, Dr. Frenette enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Adrienne—who is also a teacher at Norman Public Schools—and their three children. Whether gardening, birdwatching, or hiking, he embraces the natural world he loves to teach about. He’s also an avid board gamer and a dedicated Pokémon card player, often competing in local tournaments around Norman and Oklahoma City.

For Dr. Frenette, being recognized as a finalist for a district honor is both humbling and motivating. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but I also see it as a challenge to keep pushing myself forward—to make learning as meaningful as possible for my students.”

Teaching science in a rapidly evolving world is no easy feat, but Dr. Frenette embraces the challenge. “Every day, new discoveries are being made, and I have to think about how to incorporate them into my teaching. But that’s what makes science so exciting—it’s always changing, always growing. And maybe one day, a former student of mine will be the one making those discoveries.”

With his passion for science, dedication to students, and commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Bryan Frenette is making a lasting impact at Norman High and beyond.