We are proud to honor our 2026 Celebrate Excellence Educator of the Year - Junior / Senior High School Teacher Stephanie Franklin.
Since joining Lockland in 2018, Mrs. Franklin has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to educating the whole child. She brings a calming presence to her classroom and builds strong, authentic relationships with students. Our students know she “gets it.” She understands their experiences and meets them where they are, balancing high expectations with empathy and care.
Mrs. Franklin is an exceptional secondary social studies teacher whose classroom reflects a deep commitment to evidence-based instructional practices and continuous professional growth. Her lessons are thoughtfully designed around high-impact strategies that promote critical thinking, discussion, and meaningful student engagement. She skillfully integrates content area literacy standards and disciplinary literacy practices into her instruction, teaching students not only to learn history, but to think, read, write, and argue like historians. Through primary source analysis, structured academic discourse, and purposeful writing tasks, she empowers students to engage deeply with complex texts and ideas.
What truly sets her apart is her authentic connection with students. She creates a classroom environment where every learner feels valued, challenged, and inspired to participate. Her passion for both her content and her students makes her a standout educator and a powerful influence on student achievement.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Franklin serves as Co-Advisor for Sources of Strength and is a strong partner to our Wellness Department. She consistently supports initiatives that promote student belonging and well-being, always approaching her work with kindness and professionalism.
Mrs. Franklin reflects the excellence within our district. Her impact extends far beyond academics, helping to shape a school culture where students feel supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.