MCCLELLANDTOWN, — A southwestern Pennsylvania gym teacher has returned to work less than nine months after 70 percent of his body was burned when a pan of grease exploded on his kitchen stove.

George Franks III, 32, said that before returning to Albert Gallatin North Middle School, he worked hard at getting better. He was told after the accident that he might not survive.

“I pushed myself. I didn’t sit around,” Franks said. “It happened. I thought, ‘What can I do to get better?”’

Franks was getting ready to sauté some chicken when the grease exploded Jan. 11. He tried to run, but slipped on the grease and was badly burned on most of his body except for his right arm and back. He spent more than 50 days in the hospital, had six major surgeries, plus skin grafts.

When he’s at school, compression garments on his legs, left arm and right hand are the only visible signs of his injuries. The garments help his body heal. And he continues physical therapy regularly.

“Even before this, if you told him he couldn’t do something, he’d prove you wrong,” said Jeremy Keefer, a friend and gym teacher. “He never gives up.”

Franks said his recovery was slow and painful and that many of the things he can now do he’s only been able to do in the last few weeks.

“I couldn’t bend down and touch my toes two months ago. Now I can do a full squat,” Franks said.