Meet the Teacher: Erin Frick
What is your name? My name is Erin Frick. I have taught writing and literature classes at the high school and college levels for 17 years. I have a BA and an MA in English Literature from Marywood and Millersville Universities, respectively, a Pennsylvania State Teaching Certificate, and a Graduate Endorsement in Gifted Education from Liberty University.
What do you teach? I currently teach AP Literature and Composition, which is also offered as a dual enrollment class, to grades 10 and 12. I am the English Department Chair and Head of the Honors High School.
How many years have you taught at Dayspring? The 2018-2019 school year is my seventh year at Dayspring.
What do you appreciate the most about the Principle Approach? The Principle Approach teaches students to apply biblical principles to all facets of life. What I most appreciate about it is that it teaches a very scholarly approach to academic study.
What do you see in your students that is most encouraging? I love to hear and see our students engaging in discussion from a biblical worldview. Recently, in preparing to write the Headmaster’s Oration (a persuasive essay), students in my class were conversing about what it means, or what is should mean, to be a Christian parent, a Christian artist, a Christian statesman, and their default was to cite scripture to support their arguments. This gives me confidence about their ability to face the demands of adulthood with a clear understanding of who the God of the Bible calls them to be.
Why do you love teaching at Dayspring? I love teaching at Dayspring because of the people. I have the best students, colleagues, and supervisors in the world. We aren’t a bunch of perfect people: we’re a bunch of imperfect people pursuing life in Christ together.
How do you teach a biblical worldview in your classroom? Literature, like any form of art, lends itself naturally to discussion of worldview. When we read, we have the opportunity for vicarious life through the characters. We get to analyze their choices, learn from their mistakes and celebrate their victories. Because so much of Western Literature rests on a biblical foundation, a reality that the secular culture has forgotten or simply denies, my students, regardless of whether they love literature, are automatically at an advantage in studying it because they recognize biblical symbols, allusions, principles, and motifs when they see them.
What do you think most students appreciate about your class and what is unique about you, your talents, or interests that you bring to the classroom? My students know that I am passionate about literature, and I think my excitement is at least a little contagious. Actually, I am passionate about many things, which is a bit of a running joke with my own family and with my students. Everybody wonders if there is anything I don’t have an opinion about, and they love to tease me for my intensity. It’s either a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” song on my account. I am myself in class, and the students know and appreciate that. Most of my students are comfortable being themselves with me, and that’s essential because teaching and learning can’t happen without good rapport. I hope that what I have established is a classroom culture of professionalism and trust.
What have you seen in your students over the years that has touched your heart the most? On the way to school this past fall, I was in a minor car accident, so I missed the first half of my morning class. When I arrived at school, a colleague showed me a picture of my students gathered in my classroom, praying for me. No adult had prompted them to do this. The colleague also informed me that the students had governed themselves and run the class without needing a substitute to tell them what to do. A few students took leadership and helped their classmates to delve into discussion about their reading homework. One student said to the group, “okay guys, you know what Mrs. Frick would want us to do. What do you think the theme of the piece is?” Maybe this is the most bittersweet reality about teaching and parenting: we’re training them not to need us. I’m glad that soon they won’t, but I pray they’ll come back because they want to. “Hey, you’re our sister in Christ,” a tenth grader realized aloud in my class this year, tickled at our parallel standing with God. “Nah,” another said, “more like our aunt. Yeah, Mrs. Frick’s like our crazy aunt in Christ.” I’ll take it.
At Dayspring Christian Academy, we are committed to raising up the next generation of Christian leaders who acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life, demonstrate a biblical worldview, become citizens of excellence in Christian character and scholarship, and aid in the restoration of America’s biblical foundation. If you would like to learn more about Dayspring Christian Academy, please contact Karol Hasting at 717-285-2000 or schedule a private tour using the button below.