Teacher
Biography
Mr. Sourvelis has been teaching science since 2011. His first teaching position was at Minor High School in Adamsville, Alabama. While at Minor High, Nicholas helped thirty-two of his students, who had previously been unsuccessful, pass the science portion of the Alabama High School Graduation Examination. Mr. Sourvelis taught in the Walker County School System from 2012 to 2019. During that time he taught chemistry, AP chemistry, pre-AP chemistry, physics, AP physics, physical science, and zoology.
As of August 2019, Mr. Sourvelis is employed in the Jasper City School System where he teaches chemistry, AP chemistry, and physical science at Jasper High School. “It has always been my goal to come home and teach at my alma mater. GO VIKES!” — Nick Sourvelis
Mr. Sourvelis holds an Alabama Class AA teaching certificate in general science, received his Education Specialist Degree (secondary) from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, a Masters of Art in Education (secondary science) from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Bachelors of Science degree from Samford University. In addition, Mr. Sourvelis continues his education through varied professional development opportunities like APEX (more info), a 3-year physics education program, and graduate-level chemistry courses.
Recognition
- Oakman High School: Teacher of the Year (2012-2013)
- University of Alabama: Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) Award | News Article
- Daily Mountain Eagle: Cordova High science teacher details his hard path to success. Article
- National Board Certified Teacher 2025 NBCT Directory | Article
Science Education Philosophy
First and foremost is the fact that I love my students and believe in them. The belief that each student has the potential for success is the foundation of my philosophy. The decision to become an educator is rooted in my hope to inspire. Not every student wants to be a scientist; however, it makes it all worth it when confidence gained from overcoming the challenges of learning science inspires a student to pursue and accomplish a personal goal.
As teachers, we must recognize that learning something completely new, challenging, and abstract can be frustrating. Encouraging students to see past the frustration and recognize it as part of the learning process is vital to their success. Once students learn to let go of the frustration and embrace the struggle, deep learning can take place. The moment a student finally declares “I GET IT,” is what I live for.
Technology has played an integral role in our classroom. The Science Portal was created to give my students access to our classroom 24 hours a day. If we plan to reach today’s youth, it is pivotal that we keep up with the world they live in today. Feedback from students has been very positive.