Example of Experience

by Lena Abraham, senior, Hermann High School

Mrs. Franke chose to teach because she liked working with people, especially kids. She got her Bachelor's in Elementary Education from
Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and then went on to get her Master's in Counseling and Administration from University of Missouri-St. Louis. Eventually she earned a PhD in Education from UMSL. Forty years later, it is clear she made the right choice, as she is still teaching as the counselor at Hermann Elementary School.

Previously, she has worked as an elementary teacher and a Special Education teacher. Franke has also taught as a middle and elementary school substitute in St. Louis and New York State. Franke says the most rewarding part of her job is being able to see others succeed. She likes working at Hermann Elementary and the fact that the staff working there are all "people working together for the common goal of helping others."

In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and sewing. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and her 12 grandchildren, something she would like to do more when she retires.