Meet Worrall Teacher Frank Long

Marple Newtown Patch is featuring great teachers in the Marple Newtown area who deserve some spotlight. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do. Meet this third-grade Worrall teacher, who is a motivating role model for his students.

According to Worrall Principal John Trezise:

Frank Long has embraced the test results of Foresight and Study Island, and uses the data to drive his instruction.  He shares the data with his students and empowers them to make a positive change in the results. In addition to his contributions to our Character Assemblies, Frank meets bi-weekly with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to inspire them to be better people. He started with Fearless Fridays in the beginning of the year and, after some reflection, has settled into Motivational Mondays. He researches, finds, and shares timely and meaningful video clips that illustrate courage, perseverance, pride, teamwork, etc.  He pairs these clips with powerful and persuasive explanations. He speaks from the heart and has a gift for making kids see their potential while motivating them to always try harder. It is a great way for them to start the day and these meetings certainly set the right tone for the week, establishing an overall positive impact on our school climate. Additionally, Frank has initiated a Hopes and Dreams Campaign as well as a Connection to Literature Project. The man is having a great and positive impact on our school and for this he should be recognized.    

Name: Frank Long

School:

Grade/Subject: Third Grade

Years in the Industry: 24

Teaching History: 

My first six years were at in a self-contained Special Ed classroom. The last 18 years have been at Worrall Elementary School as a third-grade teacher.

What do you like most about your job? 

Trying my best to make a lasting difference in a child’s life.

Why did you become a teacher? 

To motivate, to teach, to help, to care, to make students laugh while they learn, and to make a difference.

What do you like best about your current school (projects, programs or activities that your school is a part of): 

I love when a former student still remembers our USA Map Tricks or when a high school teacher tells me the kids still remember their USA Map Tricks. This school year, with the support of so many, we developed a Motivational Monday. I was the lead speaker and we used video clips of amazing people showing great character traits; for example, Kyle Maynard’s courage and perseverance.

But the best part is–the day in and day out–interaction with the great kids and families at Worrall, working with an amazing group of teachers, and working with and for a wonderful principal who supports and let’s teachers “do their thing" and have input to make Worrall the best place to teach!