Mrs. Theresa Caliahn - October 2026 Educator of the Month

Franklin County Community School Corporation is pleased to recognize Mrs. Theresa Calihan, First Grade Teacher at Brookville Elementary School, as our Educator of the Month!

Mrs. Calihan has dedicated 33 of her 34 years in education to Franklin County Community School Corporation. Theresa began her teaching career with FCCSC immediately after college, filling a long-term leave position. She then spent one year teaching at Rushville Middle School before returning to Franklin County, where she has remained for the rest of her career. Theresa spent 29 years teaching at Laurel Elementary School and the past four years at Brookville Elementary School.

Theresa was nominated for this honor by a student and parent who shared: “Mrs. Calihan is an amazing teacher! She is extremely patient with students and sees the potential in every single one. My son is autistic and struggles with his emotions. She works wonders with him, and he comes home every day with the biggest smile on his face talking about her. He has always loved school, and last year was a rough year. He got to the point where he didn’t like going to school, but Mrs. Calihan has changed that for him. Now, even on weekends, he begs to go to school because he loves his teacher so much.”

Throughout her career, Theresa has been actively involved in her school and community. She has participated in the FCEA teacher union, served on the Schoolwide Title I Team and numerous teacher committees, and supported the Franklin County Athletic Boosters and various volunteer parent groups. In her younger years, she was also a member of the Franklin County Four Wheel Drive Club, where she enjoyed cheering on her favorite racer.

Theresa has been married to her high school sweetheart, Scott, for 33 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children: Tyler, Amber, and Crystal. With the recent marriages of their two oldest children, their family has grown to include Kenzie and Zach.

In her younger years, Theresa kept busy following her Wildcat athletes to their many events. Today, life has slowed down a bit, giving her more time to visit with their parents and enjoy time with family. Theresa enjoys reading, shopping, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones. She especially enjoys vacations and looks forward to doing even more traveling when she retires.

When asked about the most rewarding part of her career, Mrs. Calihan shared: “I have said this many times… I am a first grade teacher and I have the best job!! I remember the excitement when I got my first contract. I still love my job today! I have spent my career teaching younger children. The best part of my job is supporting and helping children. They need me in different ways. Some children come to school needing to build confidence in this big new space outside their home. Some come to school just needing to make their own path in this world. They all need me to share the academic strategies of first grade with them. I always work to build a community of friendship in my classroom, and the connections make it fun to be together all year. Teaching gives me a unique chance to watch the children grow in so many ways. I find a way to meet students where they are and move them forward. That is the job of a first grade teacher. The children only get one chance at first grade, and I am lucky enough to take that journey with them! Thank you for the chance to be recognized this evening! I am very honored!”

Congratulations, Theresa!