Franklin Special District Names 2026 Teachers of the Year
Franklin, TN — The Franklin Special District is pleased to announce four educators selected as the district’s 2026 Teachers of the Year. These honorees were selected for their strong instructional practice, leadership within their school communities, and meaningful connections with students.
- Katie Milliken, 1st-grade teacher at Johnson Elementary School, has been named Elementary Division Teacher of the Year.
- Leslie Smith, 8th-grade math teacher at Freedom Middle School, has been selected as the Middle Division Teacher of the Year.
- Scottie Anne Murphy, 3rd-grade teacher at Johnson Elementary School, has been recognized as the Novice Teacher of the Year – Elementary Division (K–4).
- Katie Gowisnock, 6th-grade math teacher at Freedom Intermediate School, has been honored as the Novice Teacher of the Year – Middle Division (5–8).
Each recipient has distinct strengths they bring to their classrooms and schools. “Our students feel the difference these teachers make every single day,” said Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden. “Their creativity, care, and high expectations embody what families have come to expect from the Franklin Special District.”
All four educators will advance to the state-level competition, representing FSD among Tennessee’s exemplary teachers. The Franklin Special District will formally recognize these honorees, along with school-level award recipients, at a district celebration later this spring.
Franklin Special District is a prekindergarten through eighth-grade public school district serving the families of historic Franklin, Tennessee, in eight schools.
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