Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) Social Studies teacher Nick Schuff has a love for superheroes, but little does he realize he is a real-life superhero. He begins every semester with important “get to know you” activities that allow him to truly know his students. Students in Mr. Schuff’s class know he cares about them and that he will go above and beyond to help them develop a love for history while also learning important life skills like how to be a responsible, committed, and motivated student.
Mr. Schuff not only loves the subject matter he teaches, but he also ensures he makes learning authentic by utilizing project-based learning and inquiry-based instruction. He is always conscientious of how his students are performing in his class and provides weekly support to those at risk. Mr. Schuff is not only a great teacher, but he is a first-class colleague that is professional and kind in all his interactions. He is always prompt in his communication with others and willing to do whatever it takes to help students. In meetings with parents, he is understanding and compassionate, giving clear examples of issues while offering solutions to help the student improve.
In addition to his role of teacher and colleague, Mr. Schuff stays extremely busy supporting students outside of the school day in his roles as Head Boys Tennis Coach, Young Life Club and Sunshine Coalition sponsor. He also supports our school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) program alongside fellow teacher, Molly Spencer. Outside of school, Mr. Schuff enjoys running and watching sports with friends. He graduated from the University of Georgia and has been a lifelong Bulldog fan.
Mr. Schuff’s colleagues share some thoughts about this real-life superhero:
Anne Locke Ridgway, Dual Enrollment ELA Instructor and BASA Tennis Coach, says “Nick Schuff is an excellent teacher whose desire to improve student awareness of history and its impact is very apparent. Mr. Schuff spends a great deal of time ensuring that his students are given opportunities to succeed in a variety of assignments. He is one of the best novice teachers I have seen. Not only is he a great fit for the History department, but he is also a wonderful coach. I am proud to work alongside him to best prepare our players for the season. Schuff makes my life so much easier in so many ways. He is a great friend and colleague.”
Molly Spencer, BASA Marketing Teacher, collaborates with Mr. Schuff in several roles including PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) and the Young Life Club. Coach Spencer shares, “Mr. Schuff is one of the most authentic educators I have had the honor of teaching with. He teaches with humility, always putting the needs of others above his own.”
BASA is thankful to have teachers who are also superheroes. Thank you to Mr. Schuff for being a dedicated teacher, colleague and coach who goes above and beyond to be “Barrow Bold.”
We are proud of our students who are on the “Grad Track.” A Grad Track student has either failed one or more academic classes and/or is behind in credits needed for graduation with their cohort class. Graduation Specialists at all three Barrow County School System (BCSS) high schools support students who meet these qualifications.