There are some teachers who just show up. And then there are teachers like Drew Van Huss—who show up, build something, and leave their mark.
This week on A Good Pour, we’re honoring Teacher Appreciation Week with someone who has impacted not just my own kids, but students all over Sumner County. Drew Van Huss teaches history at Station Camp High School in Gallatin, Tennessee—and he’s one of those rare people who makes the past feel personal, urgent, and even fun.
But his classroom is just the beginning.
He’s Everywhere (and Students Notice)
When I asked my daughter Claire what she liked most about Mr. Van Huss, her answer was quick: “He’s everywhere.” And she’s not wrong. Drew is a history teacher, yes—but also a pep rally leader, youth mentor, podcast host, nonprofit co-founder, and CMA Fest stage manager. His energy is contagious. And more importantly, it’s purposeful.
“It’s not that he’s just involved in a lot,” Claire said. “It’s that he brings the energy wherever he goes.”
That energy has made him a student favorite for years, and he was recently voted “Best Male Teacher” by this year’s senior class.
From Music Industry to the Classroom
Before Drew became Mr. Van Huss, the teacher, he was Drew Van Huss, a music industry professional. He worked for the Country Music Association (CMA), helped run CMA Fest, and even handled Bible publicity at LifeWay. But a layoff during the 2008 recession nudged him into what he now calls his true calling: education.
And he hasn’t looked back since.
Every Kid Is a Hero
Drew co-founded the nonprofit “Every Kid Is a Hero” alongside longtime friend Dr. Britt Maxwell. What began as custom comic books has grown into a countywide event celebrating special education students through superhero games, parades, music, and peer mentorship.
Even better? The funds raised go straight back into local special education classrooms.
“We just want every student to see themselves as the hero of their story,” Drew said. “Because they are.”
Making History Real
Drew’s love for history is what drives his teaching—but it’s also what fuels his connection with students. Whether he’s talking about government structures, civil rights, or 25-hour Senate speeches, he’s always drawing a line between past and present.
“If we know history, we can understand the present,” he said. “We can start to make better decisions. But you can’t do that if you don’t know where we’ve been.”
He’s living proof that history doesn’t have to be dry—it can be dynamic, inspiring, and full of meaning.
Don’t Forget to Say Thank You
Drew reminded me of something simple but powerful: the greatest gift you can give a teacher isn’t a mug or a Starbucks card (though those are nice). It’s a note.
“A handwritten letter from a student or a parent—I save them all,” he said. “That kind of appreciation, it lasts.”
So, if there’s a teacher in your life who’s made a difference, take a minute to write the note. It matters more than you know.
Thanks for pouring into our community, Mr. Van Huss. We’re better because of you.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of A Good Pour wherever you get your podcasts.