Orange Glen claims home to the Escondido Union High School District Teacher of the Year for the second time in three years. Juel Franklin, who teaches advanced placement government and politics and world history, was surprised by a slew of district and school officials, last Friday, who announced her as the 2011 District Teacher of the Year.

            Two weeks ago, Franklin was announced the Orange Glen Teacher of the Year after her fellow staff selected her based on her outstanding pedagogical performance and unequivocal love and care for her students.

On top of being an exceptional teacher Franklin was recognized for her numerous hours as the adviser of Black Student Union, Gay Straight Alliance, and PLUS.

As the District Teacher of the Year, Franklin now enters the county-wide competition coordinated by the San Diego Office of Education. She will now partake in a rigorous interview and application process.

Next October, Franklin will represent herself in the Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony at the Balboa theatre in downtown San Diego.

Two years ago, Ted Meyer, advanced placement European history and world history teacher, was selected as the 2008 District Teacher of the Year, but fell short in the county wide competition.

Both Orange Glen and the Escondido High School District are intrigued by Franklins work and are confident that she will be a strong representative in the county wide competition.