Nicholas Tussing finds TJ to be a good fit.
Photo by Rebecca Holt
After working as a math teacher in Adams County and Douglas County High Schools, Nicholas Tussing brings his vast knowledge of Math to TJ. This will be his fourth year teaching at the high school level.
During his time as a student at Eagle Crest High School in 2003, Nicholas Tussing was a well-rounded and involved student. “As a high school student I ran track, cross-country and was part of the German Honor Society and the National Honor Society (NHS),” said Tussing. On top of a busy extra-curricular schedule, he also managed to take more than 12 Advanced Placement classes in subjects ranging from Math to Literature. He is still working to further his education at the University of Colorado in Denver, where he will complete his Masters Degree in Statistics and Related Math within the next year.
At TJ, Tussing teaches Statistics and Geometry to upperclassmen and has found it an enjoyable experience so far. “I like the school spirit and the atmosphere. Students have been good so far,” he said.
Some students find the change from Sperry’s relaxed teaching style to Tussing’s more direct approach challenging. “Class is really different, but I feel like this semester I have been learning a lot. Mr. Tussing’s class is a lot of work but if we really try we will be able to do a pretty good job,” said Sara Olan, a senior in the Statistics class.
With many surprises for students, Tussing dedicates much of his time to their education as well as his own. He will be completing his Master’s in Mathematics this year as well, graduating during the same time as many of his students. Despite teaching not being his first-choice career, he is enjoying his job. “Teaching was my second choice for a career; I became a teacher because I think it is an honorable service to the community. My first choice was to be an Officer in the USAF (United States Air Force), but it interfered with my family plans,” said Tussing, a father to 3-year-old Avery.
On top of teaching, and attending school, Tussing finds time to dedicate to his family and hobbies. “I write novels. I have not yet published, but it is a goal for the future,” says Tussing who is hopeful to some day see his name on the cover of a science fiction book.
Literature is a large part of Tussing’s life. “I really like to read science fiction and fantasy,” said Tussing. “It is fun to escape into a world that is completely different than our own,” he added. Tussing began writing during his first years of college and found the genre very interesting. “The science fiction and fantasy in my mind are more creative; like I’ve said, it’s an escape from this world.”
Looking forward to seeing how his first semester at TJ unfolds, Tussing encourages his students to be motivated and involved in his classes. “It’s really exciting to be able to have a new math teacher and I hope he stays in the school for a really long time, “said Olan.
