Post by Teachers in Their Power

(1/9) “I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, a city shaped by the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement and generations of excellence. Growing up in that environment, I learned that leadership was about service. Inspired by Congressman John Lewis, I naturally stepped into leadership roles in my school and community. By middle school, my twin brother and I started living with my grandmother, and we attended KIPP Atlanta Schools for middle and high school. At KIPP, the expectation was always ‘to and through college,’ and that mindset helped me earn a full scholarship through the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation to attend Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. When I got to undergrad, I majored in political science. My idea was to work on Capitol Hill and fight for education policy. But education was always a passion, and I eventually decided to become a teacher. Teaching was the thing I wanted to do. After my first year in college, I started working for a summer camp and youth programs. At that point, I had to decide: do I want to go back home to start the work — something I know, something comfortable — or do I want to challenge myself in a new city? I chose the challenge. That’s what led me to Washington, DC. Since starting my career in education, I’ve taught students from high school through elementary and middle school. The range of experiences has given me a deeper understanding of how students grow and develop at every stage of their educational journey.” –Caleb Franklin Teacher at Friendship Public Charter School City Teaching Alliance Fellow, Cohort 2021 Washington, DC #teachersintheirpower teachersintheirpower.com Since this interview, Mr. Franklin has transitioned to the role of Humanities Instructional Specialist at Friendship Southeast Academy.