UCS names its Teacher of the Year

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Utica Community Schools honored an educator at Collins Elementary School in Sterling Heights as its Teacher of the Year April 14.

In a surprise announcement, Utica Community Schools named its Teacher of the Year during a schoolwide assembly to recognize students for meeting their March is Reading Month goals.

The winner, Karen Franks, a sixth grade teacher at Collins Elementary, was awarded a vehicle lease of her choice from the Suburban Collection.

Franks chose a Ford Bronco from the dozens of eligible vehicles.

“UCS is my home. It is where I send my children to school. It’s where I’ve done my teaching, but the most incredible thing for me is the team that we have here at UCS — how we all come together for our most valuable asset, which is our kids. It’s a team effort,” she said in an email interview.

She said being named Teacher of the Year is a special honor because she works with “amazing” teachers who inspire her every day, and she said it’s an honor to represent them. Franks was chosen as the overall Teacher of the Year from a final pool that included Rachel Adams, who is the district’s 2023 Junior High Teacher of the Year, and Dr. Lisa Grunewald, who is the district’s 2023 Senior High Teacher of the Year.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity. It’s surreal,” Franks said.

The Teacher of the Year program is a partnership between Utica Community Schools and the Suburban Collection. For 21 years, the program has celebrated exceptional educators for their dedication to the success of their students.

Jessica Conti, a parent, said Franks leads with kindness and a listening ear.

“My child has gained so much confidence in herself academically and socially this year. She has blossomed into a hard worker, team player and has taken so much pride in her work ... thanks to the encouragement from Mrs. Franks, who will forever be in our hearts,” Conti said via email.

Superintendent Robert Monroe said Franks is an example of the excellent teachers who can be found in classrooms throughout the district.

“She is (a) mentor to her colleagues who effectively uses data to promote student success. She is the teacher leader at Collins Elementary and works in partnership with the community on important issues, including school safety. Most importantly, she cares deeply about the success of others and treats everyone she meets with kindness and respect,” he said in an email.