Teaching is a demanding and challenging endeavor. Students can be uncooperative. Faculty, too. The workload can pile up in the blink of an eye — but North Atlanta High School teacher Gregory Baeza decided it wasn’t difficult enough. Between instructing complex Physics classes and coaching NAHS girls’ soccer team, he’s got his hands full. Just how did he wind up here? There’s no one way to execute life, but Baeza ended up taking a particularly unique route.
Raised in Rockland County, New York, Baeza attended Tappan Zee High School. From a young age, he was curious about why certain things functioned the way they did. He was later on accepted into Emory University, where he studied theoretical physics. It was here that he realized he wanted to pursue teaching, and following a short break doing music, Baeza discovered an alternative teaching program that did not require a teaching degree. He later on got his masters and eventually found himself at North Atlanta, where he currently teaches Physics 1 and AP Physics. “I always enjoyed knowing how stuff works, building and taking things apart as a kid,” said Baeza.
Physics itself is already widely recognized as one of the most difficult subjects to understand. Teaching it, though? That’s a whole other level. Some teachers are dull and monotonous, reading off slides with their backs facing the class. Not Baeza. He never leaves the front of the room, and his students don’t just listen, they learn. Sophomore Sofia Klingsoehr likes how Baeza truly immerses his students in each topic, feeling as if being involved helps her grasp concepts with less struggle. “One thing I enjoy about Baeza’s class is the group discussion, the challenges, and the hands-on activities,” Klingsoehr said. “They make learning physics more engaging and easier to understand.”
Despite the fact that being a physics teacher is more than impressive, Baeza isn’t a one trick pony. When he’s not grading classwork or attending faculty meetings, his mind is on soccer. While being a coach of the North Atlanta girl’s soccer team means he gets to be a spectator to the action-packed games, the real prize is watching the girls improve and grow, both as players and people. “Coaching is great,” said Baeza. “It’s never the same season twice.”
Being a physics teacher and a soccer coach is a heavy load to balance. Each comes with its own set of challenges and struggles to overcome. One thing is undeniable, however: whether on the field or in the classroom, Baeza gives every day his all.
