Trevor Brininger, a student teacher at Fossil Ridge High School, sees teaching as something that goes beyond academics.

“I’d like to bridge the gap between not only focusing on the work and getting everything done, but also still having the opportunity to talk with people and let everyone be their own person,” said Brininger, who is teaching two Geography classes for Erin Carson. 

Brininger, who plans to earn his master’s in secondary education from Adams State University in December, said Fossil students have impressed him. 

“I’d say this is probably one of the best places for students I’ve experienced,” he said. “I like being able to joke around with the students because I know who they are, and I know things I can talk about with them.”

The path to student teaching for Brininger included influences from a middle school social studies teacher.

“The reason why I say him specifically is because he just showed a lot of respect towards students,” Brininger said.

The respect that teacher gave his students inspired Brininger’s future teaching style.

“He would call people like Mr. or Mrs. with their last name and he would do that for every one of us. He was showing ‘Hey, you’re in my class, but I still respect you to the point where I’m treating you in a more adult manner’,” he said.

That respect Brininger values translates into giving students autonomy. 

“I’m providing you with the information, and it’s your choice what you’re going to do with that information,” he said. “People can make the choice to not work, but there are consequences to that, and I’m not going to force you, but you have to allow everyone else to still be able to have access to the material and access to the work,” said Brininger.

While Brininger is still honing his skills as a teacher, he is also bringing fresh perspectives to those he’s working with.

“I really enjoy getting new perspectives and kind of young ideas and coming right out of school,” Carson said. “I think I get to learn a lot of stuff and also be able to help people along the process of becoming a teacher.”

Students also seem to like Brininger’s style.

“He cares more about being a teacher,” said sophomore Savannah DeGear. “He puts in more work than the other teachers do and like, explains it and actually interacts with his class.”

Brininger believes he has found his calling.

“I enjoy being here every day. I enjoy staying here until I finally get to go home,” Brininger said. “But it’s all worth it in the end.”