Faculty Spotlight: Maria Bahr
At Fort Scott Community College, dedicated faculty members make a lasting impact on students every day, and few embody that commitment more than Maria Bahr. With 16 years as a full-time instructor and six additional years as an adjunct, Bahr has become a cornerstone of the FSCC academic experience.
Bahr serves as an English and literature instructor, Fine Arts & Humanities Division Chair, and Assessment Coordinator. Her passion for education was inspired by exceptional educators throughout her life, including her father, Stephen G. Schrader, a high school and collegiate Master Teacher nominee. She says her greatest inspiration comes from working with young people and helping students succeed.
Her academic background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Pittsburg State University, additional educational coursework, and a graduate certificate in instructional design from Emporia State University. She has also completed postgraduate studies through the University of San Diego, Brigham Young University, and Baker University. Before joining FSCC full time, Bahr spent 12 years teaching middle and high school English.
Bahr describes her teaching philosophy as student-centered and focused on active learning. In her writing classes, students are encouraged to explore real-world issues and topics that personally interest them. Beyond course content, she hopes students leave her classroom with confidence in their communication abilities and preparation for future academic and professional success.
One guiding principle she shares is: “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” That mindset has shaped her approach both inside and outside the classroom. She encourages students to persevere and reminds them that “the only true failure is giving up.”
Among her proudest accomplishments is leading the development of the English department’s co-requisite Accelerated Learning Plan (ALP) after training with ALP founder Peter Adams in Baltimore. More recently, Bahr played a major role in guiding FSCC through a successful academic accreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission.
Bahr says what she enjoys most about FSCC is working alongside a dedicated group of faculty and staff who genuinely care about student success. She believes FSCC provides students with a supportive environment, affordable education, and meaningful opportunities to get involved on campus.
Outside the classroom, Bahr enjoys spending time with family, camping, hiking, and traveling. Students may also be surprised to learn she has completed six marathons along with countless half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks.
When asked why students should take her class, Bahr shared that many former students who transferred to undergraduate and graduate programs have thanked her for helping prepare them for academic and professional success.