Dr. Mabel Franks
Dr. Franks is a CPD instructor at Fresno Pacific University, teaching curriculum courses for K-12 educators and school-wide Restorative Justice practices. She has served more than 35 years in service to students in some of the largest school districts in California. Her research on effective school reform underscores the need to unite the entire school community in a common cause, the education of our children- all our children. Her love for teaching, desire to reach all students and expertise on research-based instructional best practices is reflected in her hands-on, teacher-friendly courses, designed for the K-12 educator who wants to make difference. Dr. Franks also instructs aspiring leaders, facilitates teacher team training and holds workshops on school-wide best instructional practices. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, national business reports and regional news media for her innovative thinking and focus on leadership and student engagement and academic achievement and has received numerous awards at the district, county and regional levels for her dedication as a teacher and leader in schools serving students of poverty and second language learners. She holds a BA in liberal studies, a BS in Commerce/Law, a Masters in leadership and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Professional Experience: Teacher, grades 5-8, college level District mentor, demonstration teacher, principal, School administrator elementary/secondary levels Assistant Superintendent Middle School, Special Ed, H. Services Presenter, curriculum developer, AVID, Migrant, GATE
Scholarly Interests: Curriculum and instruction, education reform, systems analysis, innovations, American and ancient history
Honors and Awards: CA Distinguished School, District Exemplary School; American Legion Outstanding Student, Resident Academic Scholarship, University Service Scholarship, MSEA Graduate with Distinction University Model United Nations Delegation, University Dignitary Ambassador, Teacher-of-the-Year, Intermediate School, Teacher-of-the-Year, School District, Teacher-of-the-Year, Fresno County finalist , Curriculum and Instruction, Fresno Unified
Publications: Effect of the Back-to-Basics Movement on the Development of Higher Order Thinking Skills in High-Performing, High-Technology Schools
Recommended Reading: John C. Maxwell's The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Wayne Dyer’s Power of Intention, Ori and Rom Brafman’s Sway Thomas Friedman’s The World Is Flat
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 104
What I Like About FPU: The systemic focus on excellence and personalization of learning