George Trout is master woodworking teacher

At Springfield High School in Delaware County, the expression they use is, "I'm going to Trout."

The kids all know what it means. It's shorthand for the furniture-making taught by George Trout, who is single-handedly responsible for beautifying the homes of Springfield with more handcrafted furniture than you'd find in a Shaker village.

When his students talk about him, they use words like passionate, caring, inspiring. Declares one admirer: "He's the man!"

He is one of those teachers who teach more than they seem to be teaching. He is one of those teachers you never forget.

Trout is of average height, softening around the middle, fast approaching 45. His hair is buzz-cut, and he wears metal-frame glasses. This is his 23d year teaching at Springfield High, and he estimates that altogether he has helped 3,000 students learn to handle tools and shape wood.
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