Chris Shucoski joined the Atlantic Collegiate Academy faculty in January of 2024.
A native of Byram, NJ, Shucoski teaches social studies at ACA. He has been teaching in Horry County schools since receiving his undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Historical Educational Philosophies from Coastal Carolina University in 2015. He followed that up by earning a Master of Arts in Teach with a Social Studies Specialization from CCU in 2018.
He began his teaching career as a long-term substitute in Horry County Schools from 2016-18 before moving into a full-time role as a middle school social studies teacher in 2018. During his time he became the Social Studies Department Lead as well as the Technology Teacher Lead, utilizing technology to enhance student educational experience.
"I am a teacher who expects the very best out of every student and will motivate the students to keep trying when it seems difficult," Shucoski said. "I try to make teaching as fun as possible while still having a respectful atmosphere in the classroom."
Mr. Shucoski has South Carolina Teaching Certifications in both 1H: Middle Level Social Studies and 2D: Social Studies. He is also an Advanced Nearpod Certified Educator and has earned qualifications for Nearpod Gamification and Activities, Interactive Video Star, EdPuzzle Coach and EdPuzzle Google Tools.
In addition to his classroom experience, Mr. Shucoski is a veteran Life Guard who is certified by the American Red Cross in First Aid, CPR and AED. He has served as a supervisor and lifeguard at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach since 2021.
Shucoski grew up in New Jersey as an only child and always wanted to be a teacher. He spent his time away from his educational pursuits at Pope John XIII High School playing soccer, baseball, swimming competing in track & field and spending time at a local lake. He served as captain of the soccer team and twice won academic awards.Â
"What attracted me to teaching was the experience I had when I was volunteering to tutor students in Philadelphia,"Shucotski said. "The students I had were struggling in school but, by the end of the year, the students told me the only reason that they got better grades was because of me. After that, I wanted to have the same impact I had on those students with as many students as I could."
One of his greatest accomplishments was competing in, and completing, the Five-Boro Bike Tour, a 42-mile ride through New York City.
As a teacher focused on History, Government and Economics, Shucoski said the best part of being in the classroom is watching his students move from reluctant to engaged and learning.
"When a student who, at the beginning of the year, did not like history but by the end year said thank you for making history interesting and fun, that is most rewarding to me," Shucoski said. "Also seeing the students who struggled and then have that breakthrough moment allowing them to achieve more than they ever expected."
Mr. Shuckoski and his wife, Kimberleigh, a native of Rock Hill and the head coach at Thomas Gymnastics, have three young daughters - Hadleigh, Finnleigh and Maeliegh. The family also includes Josie (Lab/Australian Shepard mix), Jersey (Australian Shepard) and Jasper (Golden Doodle).
As expected, Mr. Shucoski is an avid reader of history, but is also a fan of the Harry Potter books which provided one of his favorite quotes: "Working hard is important. But there's something that matters even more. Believing in yourself."
His favorite movies include the Harry Potter series and Toy Story movies as well as Saving Private Ryan and Good Will Hunting.
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