BACKGROUND

George Frissell wanted a profession that allowed him to combine his interests in travel, history and literature. He didn’t have to look far to find it. His dad was a college professor, and his mom was a high school English teacher, so education seemed like the right fit.

Frissell earned degrees in English and history from Lamar University in Texas, then taught for nine years in the Lone Star State, including at a Quaker school and two inner-city schools.

When his wife at the time was accepted to law school at the University of Missouri, Frissell found a home at Hickman High School.

"I like the pace of the Midwest," he said. "I like Midwestern people." Columbia "was the first time I really felt at home."

Frissell, who served 11 years as chairman of the school’s language arts department, has been at Hickman for 25 years.

TEACHING STYLE

Frissell teaches four sections of classical ideas and world religions, an elective course he started at Hickman 22 years ago. In the class, students can expect to read original religious texts and hear from people of various faiths. Frissell invites community members who practice different religions to talk to students about those beliefs. Last year, the series included a Buddhist monk, an expert on indigenous African religions and a practicing Hindu. At the end of the school year, students also asked to hear from a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to learn more about Mitt Romney, a Mormon who at the time was seeking the Republican presidential nomination. Integrating current events into the class shows students how religion still affects society, Frissell said.

Inviting guests to the classroom also provides professional benefits. "I end up learning something new every year," Frissell said.

Frissell also teaches one section of college composition, a college preparatory class that teaches writing, editing and literature appreciation.

CLASSROOM

Frissell displays posters and religious symbols in his classroom to correspond with the lessons being studied. Right now, colorful representations of Hindu gods are hung throughout the room.

"I think students have different learning styles," he said. "Visual learners might be stimulated by having a lot of interesting posters, and we go into great detail discussing why the images are they way they are."

Frissell also uses a lot of PowerPoint presentations and plans to make use of his new SmartBoard.

WHY TEACH?

Frissell could retire at the end of this year and receive benefits. But he isn’t interested in hanging up his hat anytime soon. The school’s atmosphere and the students’ energy will keep him coming back at least another five years, he said.

"We’re just a great school," he said. "Hickman has a real eclectic population."

Frissell also enjoys his extracurricular duties. He sponsors the DESI Club, which studies south Asian cultures, and Hickman’s chapter of Amnesty International. He also spearheads the quarterly Speak Your Mind series, which allows students to debate current events with panels of local experts.

"There’s a misconception that students are not interested in social justice or making the world a better place, when in reality students are very interested in that," Frissell said. "It’s refreshing to be around that energy and commitment."

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