For Mrs. Wendy Frans, teaching was never just a job choice. It was a calling built on hard work, early encouragement, and a genuine enjoyment of her students. Today, she brings 24 years of classroom experience, energy, and heart to her 6th and 7th grade Social Studies classes at Langston Charter Middle School.
Before joining Langston two years ago, Mrs. Frans spent 22 years teaching 5th grade within Greenville County Schools. While switching from elementary education to middle school Social Studies is a big shift, she notes the transition actually reignited her enthusiasm for the classroom and pushed her to keep evolving as an educator.
Growing up as the youngest of six children, Mrs. Frans learned the value of perseverance early on. Neither of her parents graduated from college, but they constantly emphasized the doors that education could open. Her path to the classroom became clear after she volunteered to help out in a friend’s mother’s classroom. The teacher told her she was a “natural”—a simple bit of encouragement that ultimately decided her career path.
Mrs. Frans went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University and later completed her Master of Arts in Teaching at Furman University. She started her career at Chandler Creek Elementary before moving to Brushy Creek Elementary, where she spent over two decades teaching all subject areas to elementary students.
Looking back on her career, Mrs. Frans holds several moments close to her heart. On a personal level, she loved the years she got to bring her own sons to school with her every day. Professionally, she has found great joy in mentoring younger teachers and was named the Greenville County Teacher of the Year for 2022–2023—an honor she describes as deeply humbling.
Her teaching philosophy centers on creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and actively engaged in learning. Mrs. Frans believes students learn best when they are involved in the process, so she incorporates discussions, collaborative activities, educational games, guided notes, and hands-on learning experiences into her lessons. Her classroom is both structured and welcoming, balancing high expectations with humor and meaningful connection.
One of the most memorable aspects of her classroom is the creativity she brings to Social Studies instruction. After studying Ancient Greece, students participate in classroom Olympic Games, while lessons on Ancient Egypt include engaging mummification activities. Mrs. Frans also keeps geography puzzles available for students who finish assignments early, ensuring learning opportunities continue throughout every class period.
Relationships are also at the heart of her teaching. Mrs. Frans makes a point to connect with students beyond academics by supporting their extracurricular activities and celebrating their achievements. Her classroom motto “Make an effort, not an excuse” reflects her belief that all students are capable of growth through hard work, perseverance, and accountability.
Switching to a charter school environment has been a rewarding change of pace. Mrs. Frans appreciates Langston’s tight-knit community, smaller class sizes, and supportive administration. She also values the strong parent involvement and the professional flexibility that allows her to tailor her history lessons directly to her students’ interests. Even with the daily challenges that come with modern teaching, Mrs. Frans remains incredibly grateful for her career.
The real reward, she says, comes from the lifelong relationships she has built, whether that means running into former students at the grocery store or getting updates from parents years down the road. She notes that she loves being a teacher and does not know of any other career so fulfilling and meaningful.
For her dedication, creative lessons, and the high standards she sets for her students, we recognize Mrs. Wendy Frans as our Teacher of the Month. Thank you, Mrs. Frans, for all that you do for the children of South Carolina!
