When Caleb Franklin (Cohort 2021)—a 7th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Friendship Southeast Academy in DC—was named Teacher of the Year, it was more than a personal win. The recognition was a testament to the classroom community he’s built with care, consistency, and purpose.
A former student put it best in a recent ELA assignment titled “Ode to Teacher”. He wrote, “When Mr. Franklin won Teacher of the Year, I was happy for him. I already knew he was going to get it because no teacher is on his level.”
That line stayed with Caleb because it affirmed that his students see the work, energy, and care he brings to the profession. “To me, this recognition belongs just as much to my students,” he says. “It represents their perseverance, brilliance, and the community we build together in the classroom.”
A Mentor Beyond the Classroom
Outside of the classroom, Caleb is deeply embedded in the school community. He helps students prepare for prom, attends service events, and is a consistent presence during tough times. He also forges powerful partnerships that create new opportunities for his students and their families.
Through his collaboration with the BOND Learning and Leadership Institute for Boys, Caleb is able to offer monthly sessions focused on leadership, identity, and community building to a group of young men from his school.
“Together, we’ve attended conferences designed to empower Black boys, completed community service projects, and participated in team-building activities like climbing and zip-lining. These experiences have not only strengthened their sense of brotherhood but have also supported their emotional well-being and growth as leaders, both in and out of school,” he shares.
This deep commitment to student success is a result of Caleb’s experience in City Teaching Alliance’s pathway. He credits the program with helping him grow in his practice saying, “City Teaching Alliance added a new layer to my growth as an educator. It pushed me to think critically about equity and what it truly means to create learning spaces that are just, inclusive, and student-centered.”
Black men make up less than 2% of the U.S. teaching workforce, making community and mentorship opportunities like the Black Educator Initiative (BEI) especially vital. Through BEI, Caleb has found a network of support that reflects and uplifts his identity as a Black male teacher. The relationships he’s formed within his cohort and the guidance he’s received have helped him stay grounded, grow intentionally, and serve powerfully.
We are honored to celebrate Caleb Franklin for this well-deserved recognition and for the lives he shapes with compassion and dedication. Congratulations, Caleb!
