Lafayette High School history teacher Derek Frieling has been named the Missouri Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) Teacher of the Year.
Frieling was named during the council’s annual conference held February 26-27, 2016 in Columbia, MO.
“I’m thrilled that Derek is the 2016 Social Studies Teacher of the Year,” said Lafayette Principal Dr. Tyran Sumy. “He’s a success in the classroom and in extra-curricular activitiess, where he leads activities such as the History Day project and the Scholar Bowl. Whatever we need, Derek always steps up to the plate and makes this a better place for Lafayette and our kids.”
Frieling teaches World History, Honors World History, Dual Credit American History, and Advanced Placement European History at Lafayette High School. He is the Social Studies Department Chair at Lafayette and serves on the Attendance Committee and the Professional Learning Community Team. He also sponsors the Scholar Bowl and an after-school social studies club known as the Dead Patriot’s Society. He was nominated for this award by Tina Shaginaw, who is the St. Joseph School District’s 2015 – 2016 Teacher of the Year.
“What most important about teaching is that you care,” said Frieling, during his acceptance speech. “There are three things teachers need to care about. First, you need to care about your subject material and teaching. Teachers should always be looking to improve their skills and learn more about their subject. If you don’t care, students will see right through you. Second, teachers need to make students care. Teachers need to find a way to engage students, either by finding something they find interesting or by being able to relate it to their lives, so students will internalize what they learn. Finally, teachers need to show students they care about the students themselves. Once students realize their teacher cares about them personally, they will work so much harder for themselves. I attempt these three goals each day. My hope and goal is to continue to connect with students and encourage other teachers to strive to achieve these same relationships.”
Frieling resides in Savannah, MO with his wife, April, and their two children. In addition to his contributions at Lafayette, Frieling is an adjunct professor at Missouri Western State University, teaching courses such as Methods of Teaching Social Studies and American History since 1865.