Grad Track Teacher Spotlight: Emma McClure

Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy (BASA) English Language Arts teacher, Emma McClure began her teaching career with BASA during the 2022-23 school year. Mrs. McClure has always wanted to be a teacher since she entered Kindergarten, and she is finally fulfilling those dreams. Mrs. McClure completed her undergraduate degree at Oglethorpe University, where she also played college golf. After earning a degree in English and Comparative Literature, she pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching in English Education from The University of Georgia. Outside of the English classroom, Mrs. McClure also serves as the National Honors Society advisor. She recently collaborated with and helped lead a district Professional Development in the Fall of 2023 on Using Progressions in the High School English Classroom with fellow ELA colleague, Katie Conrad. Mrs. McClure enjoys getting to work with students outside of the classroom to see them shine in unique ways. In her free time, she enjoys reading about anything and everything, spending time exploring the outdoors, and relishing life with friends and family.

Mrs. McClure is an exemplary educator who goes above and beyond to meet her students where they are and to provide the support and encouragement needed when they struggle to meet their academic goals. She does not hesitate to reach out to other faculty and staff members when she feels that additional support is needed for a student. She is a fierce advocate for her students and works hard to adjust and modify her instruction to meet the needs of all her students. Mrs. McClure is not only a fabulous educator, but she is also a trusted confidant to many students. Students feel safe going to her and asking for help and will often share their frustrations and life struggles with her because they know she cares.

ELA department chair and fellow colleague Katie Conrad explains, “Mrs. McClure is truly a joy to work with. She brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does whether it's making lesson plans, doing a service project with the National Honor Society, or painting pumpkins with her crew. She is a phenomenal PLC (Professional Learning Community) teammate and always willing to try new things, sign up for professional development, or lead a session at the district level. She continuously reflects on her teaching practices and revises plans to do what is best for students, while still having students show mastery of the standards. She is light years ahead of where I was my second-year teaching, and I cannot wait to see her continue to grow in this profession.” Gretchen Hollingsworth, Innovative Learning Coach, shares, “Mrs. McClure embodies dedication, encouragement, and empathy, consistently elevating learning experiences while maintaining rigorous standards. Her innovative approach to teaching and learning fosters growth, ensuring every student thrives under her guidance. She is a true leader in and out of the classroom!” Science teacher, Kearsten Jones, elaborates, “Mrs. McClure is so inspiring! She never ceases to amaze me with her determination, consistently striving for excellence and student success. She goes above and beyond to ensure the invaluable skill of literacy is instilled in her students, leaving a profound impact on every student that enters her classroom.” Finally, BASA Principal, Nick Scheman, states, “Mrs. McClure is an enthusiastic ELA teacher who leads by example and is willing to approach education from new directions. BASA staff and faculty are proud to call Mrs. McClure a colleague and a friend.”

BASA is thankful to have teachers who are also positive role models for both students and fellow colleagues. Thank you to Mrs. McClure for being a dedicated teacher, colleague and club sponsor who goes above and beyond to be “Barrow Bold.”

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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.