February 2017 Educator of the Month
In January, 2017, longtime FCCSC educator, Ms. Geannie Hensel, announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2016-17 school year. A few weeks later, Superintendent, Dr. Debbie Howell, visited Ms. Hensel’s classroom to surprise her with the news that she had been selected as February’s “Educator of the Month”.
Ms. Hensel has been employed as a physical education and health teacher with the Franklin County Community School Corporation for 37 years. After graduating from Ball State University she secured her first teaching job at Laurel Jr. High and High School. Eventually she moved to Franklin County High School. During her tenure, Ms. Hensel has served as a teacher, coach, jr. high athletic director, and sponsored many student organizations, such as MCATZ and Bleacher Bums.
In addition to her teaching duties, Ms. Hensel serves on the Franklin County Education Association negotiations team. In the community she is involved with the United Way and Relay for Life.
Ms. Hensel was nominated for this recognition by an FCHS student athlete. One of the reasons the student nominated Ms. Hensel was because of her dedication to the students of FCHS and her unwavering school spirit. She is one of the school’s biggest cheerleaders. According to the student, “Ms. Hensel is seen at many different events at the high school. We can always hear her cheering us on from the sidelines during sporting events.”
In addition to her school spirit, Ms. Hensel works tirelessly with the MCATZ to ensure that freshmen feel comfortable and supported when they enter the high school. “Ms. Hensel is in charge of the MCATZ which she takes a lot of pride in. She makes sure that incoming freshmen feel welcome and that they have reliable upperclassmen looking out for them. This shows the freshmen that there are people at the high school who care about them and are ready to help in any way possible.”
When asked about the best part of her job, Ms. Hensel responded, “The best part of my job is seeing freshmen come into the high school as shy, unsure, timid children and then four years later they are successful, confident, extraordinary leaders ready to become productive members of society.”
The purpose of the “Educator of the Month” program is to recognize outstanding Franklin County educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the school, dedication to the students, and involvement in the community. Nomination forms for “Educator of the Month” can be found on the school corporation website at www.fccsc.k12.in.us.