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RANDOLPH – Stacey Frisch has never been one to paint herself into a corner.
Instead of one teaching degree – she’s getting two: Art Education and Family & Consumer Sciences Education. She was able to student teach twice – in art at Stanton and in FCS at Humphrey. And she started her full-time teaching career before she’s even officially received her degrees.
“I heard about the opening at Randolph through WSC and I submitted an application while I was just starting my second student teaching experience,” Frisch said. “Within the week I had an interview and was offered the job. I am a sort of special case.”
Frisch started Dec. 1 as the new K-12 art teacher at Randolph. She filled the vacancy created when previous Art teacher, Lyndsey Miller, moved in mid-September to Indiana. Elaine Bloomquist and Becky Miller have been filling in the last few months with Bloomquist mainly teaching Art at the high school and Becky Miller working with elementary art and overseeing Cardinal Creative, Randolph’s student-led business.
Both Becky Miller and Bloomquist helped get Frisch up to speed during her first week on the job. And they will sub for her when Frisch officially receives her degrees from Wayne State College Dec. 12.
Frisch said she’s never imagined a different career path.
“I chose teaching because I have always wanted to help others grow and build their confidence, knowledge and passion for art and FCS,” she said. “Even when I was a kid, my teachers would tell my parents that I would make a great teacher because all my classmates would come to me for help in class instead of going to them (the teachers).”
Frisch grew up outside of Madison and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 2020. She never experienced art in elementary school but credits her early artistic roots 4-H projects and illustrating stories she made up.
When art was offered in high school, it became a favorite class. Now, she enjoys embroidery, wood burning, printmaking and ceramics.
Frisch said she’s excited about the opportunity to teach the wide range of kindergarten through seniors. Randolph students can expect new creative projects in the art classroom under her instruction.
“We are definitely going to be getting into some pottery,” she said. “The advanced art students are going to be able to throw on a wheel, and others are going to be able to do some hand building.”
Other projects may include 3D sculpture using repurposed and recycled items, and printmaking opportunities. Beyond art, Frisch enjoys spending time with her large extended family as she has six older siblings, and 11 nieces and nephews. She also likes to travel, with seven European countries visited so far and looking to add more. She also enjoys dancing, formerly serving as the vice president of the Country Dance Club at Wayne State. Reading, cooking and baking rounds out her varied interests.
“I’m super excited to be a part of the Cardinal family,” she said. “The community has been so welcoming in in my transition to Randolph, and I am really grateful.”
