2002 Wake County Teacher of the Year
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Sofi Frankowski |
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2002 Finalists
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Sofi Frankowski
Southeast Raleigh High
Sofi Frankowski is known for her vigor, her flair for teaching, the inspiration she imparts, her welcoming smile, and the comforting words that make her approachable to all students.
Frankowski writes, "I teach because I care about social justice, because the world does not yet treat all people fairly, because I love kids, because teaching challenges me intellectually, emotionally, and physically, because I was incredibly fortunate to have good teachers, because teaching helps me be the kind of person I want to be, and because I believe Marian Wright Edelman when she says, 'Service is the rent we pay for living.' In short, I teach because it allows me to work for the change I want to see in the world."
Frankowski has been teaching at Southeast Raleigh High for two years and has been a teacher for 10 years.
Leadership MOSAIC (Making Our School An Inclusive Community) is a class that Frankowski created, and developed as a history teacher in California where it was recognized by the President's initiative on Race as one of the nation's Promising Practices. Now she teaches the class at Southeast Raleigh High. This year, the student-led class organized a school lock-in devoted to learning about other cultures, a forum about the Islamic religion, and an afternoon of festivities for the entire school to become more aware of their outside world.
Frankowski is certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). She facilitates a National Board applicant support group. She participated in the WCPSS yearlong seminar 'Conversations about Diversity.' She is mentoring an Initially Licensed Teacher in social studies and a student teacher from NC State University. Frankowski serves as a Southeast Raleigh High Lighthouse Beacon, offering others assistance with technology, and will present at the Closing the Achievement Gap conference.
Southeast Raleigh High principal John Modest writes, "Her enthusiasm, her innovation, and her genuine concern for history are the hallmarks of her teaching genius. Ms. Frankowski's flexibility in working with students and teachers and her profound belief that all students can be successful have earned her the enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about people."