Mr. Russo joined SAA in 2020 bringing 13 years of experience in education to our lower and middle school students as a Physical and Health Education teacher. he also serves as an Advisor.
Mr. Russo approaches the physical and health education curriculum with goals in physical and emotional wellness, sportsmanship, and life-long activity in sport and athletics. Mr. Russo seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space for students to enjoy themselves while learning or building upon previous skills in various sports and games. His hope is that students will find something they like and continue that activity beyond their time in the gym. “Wellness takes many forms. And achieving it is a goal. Not a destination.”
He started his career with the Park Ridge School District before moving to a role at Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) Northfield Campus. At HPDS he taught physical education, as well as served as both an Instructional Coach and Coordinator of Technology. Mr. Russo especially enjoyed his roles as Student Council Advisor, Field Day Coordinator, and Field Trip Chaperone.
Born and raised in Chicago, Nick graduated from Ripon College earning a BS in Exercise Science and Education with a minor in Health Education. In college he played football for one season, and served as Student Coordinator of the Intramural programs. He even had a four year run with his own show on his college’s radio station. Over the past 19 years, Mr Russo has coached football, basketball, and baseball at the school, park and club/travel levels. Mr. Russo played football and basketball throughout high school and continues to participate in recreational sports like softball, basketball, fishing and golf today.
In his free time he can be found coaching or watching sports, spending time with his family; especially his three nephews, and enjoying a good book, movie, or puzzle.
Mr. Russo approaches the physical and health education curriculum with goals in physical and emotional wellness, sportsmanship, and life-long activity in sport and athletics. Mr. Russo seeks to provide a safe and welcoming space for students to enjoy themselves while learning or building upon previous skills in various sports and games. His hope is that students will find something they like and continue that activity beyond their time in the gym. “Wellness takes many forms. And achieving it is a goal. Not a destination.”
He started his career with the Park Ridge School District before moving to a role at Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) Northfield Campus. At HPDS he taught physical education, as well as served as both an Instructional Coach and Coordinator of Technology. Mr. Russo especially enjoyed his roles as Student Council Advisor, Field Day Coordinator, and Field Trip Chaperone.
Born and raised in Chicago, Nick graduated from Ripon College earning a BS in Exercise Science and Education with a minor in Health Education. In college he played football for one season, and served as Student Coordinator of the Intramural programs. He even had a four year run with his own show on his college’s radio station. Over the past 19 years, Mr Russo has coached football, basketball, and baseball at the school, park and club/travel levels. Mr. Russo played football and basketball throughout high school and continues to participate in recreational sports like softball, basketball, fishing and golf today.
In his free time he can be found coaching or watching sports, spending time with his family; especially his three nephews, and enjoying a good book, movie, or puzzle.