Pacifica Stories

Pacifica is thrilled to welcome Nic Scobey to the Science Department. Teaching Biology, Chemistry, and Statistics, Nic brings a wealth of experience in STEM, education, and technology, combined with a passion for helping students see the joy in learning.

Nic’s path to Pacifica has been diverse and purpose-driven. He began college as a pre-med student but quickly realized his calling also lay in education. “Although I was accepted to medical school, I ultimately realized that my true passion was in education,” he says. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education and later a master’s in data science, all while working in various STEM roles, including as a software engineer where he built an AI learning tutor.

“In college, I discovered that people learn best when instruction is interactive, engaging, and memorable,” Nic shares. He brings that philosophy into every classroom, striving to incorporate movement, hands-on activities, and real-world applications so students can experience science in action. “Rather than relying heavily on lecture, I strive to create a variety of learning approaches that strengthen long-term memory and make learning more enjoyable.”

Faith is central to Nic’s life and teaching. “In college, I came to understand more deeply the central teachings of Jesus: to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself,” he says. Through participation in living-learning programs during and after college, he developed a strong practice of hospitality and care for others, which now informs how he builds relationships and learning environments in his classroom. “I choose to be a teacher because it's at the intersection of so many opportunities to meet people and learn alongside them, while also demonstrating the amazing love of Christ.”

Raised in rural Michigan, Nic recalls attending a high school literally surrounded by cornfields; students even drove tractors to school! He and his wife, Mrs. Linnea Scobey, Pacifica’s Latin teacher, now share their home with Samwise, a maltese-poodle rescue. Nic loves being part of the Pacifica community, both in and out of the classroom, and is excited to share his passions while continuing to learn alongside students.

“My favorite part of teaching is finding ways to make learning fun,” he says. He hopes students leave his classes not just with knowledge, but with confidence, curiosity, and a sense that even the most challenging concepts can be engaging and rewarding. “Beyond academics, I hope students develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them—whether that means the beauty of creation, the complexity of science, or the unique perspectives of other people.”

Outside of school, Nic enjoys traveling, exploring the great outdoors—especially mountains and water—playing piano, and reading science fiction. With his enthusiasm for STEM, dedication to students, and heart for Christ, Nic is already making a meaningful impact at Pacifica.