Page 21 - Walton Living

Head of the Classes

It was during his adolescent years that the idea of becoming tion. He then began his career in education as a math teacher at
an educator was born, due in large part to being under the lead- his alma mater, Dacula High School, in 1996. As a testament to
ership of “some exceptional” baseball and football coaches. his continued desire to learn, Franklin earned his Gifted Edu-
“I quickly saw and experienced the value and impact that a as his master’s degree from Piedmont College in 1999, that fall
teacher and a coach could have on a child’s life and I knew that
Leadership, character drives county I wanted to have that same opportunity to impact the lives of becoming a math teacher at Norcross High School.
In addition to being a classroom leader, Franklin also served
students,” Franklin said. “In high school there were two or three
key coaches that really pushed me to another level and taught as a football, baseball and wrestling coach while at Dacula High
school superintendent me how to react to adversity and how to work with others to School as well as a varsity football coach for defensive backs, a
accomplish a goal.
head girls golf coach, academic supervisor, equipment manager,
“As a school administrator, I have been fortunate to work for summer camp director, golf tournament director and fund-rais-
and with several great leaders. Two individuals in particular have ing coordinator while at Norcross High School. He would also
By modeled great leadership for me. They were servant leaders who serve as athletic director for the Blue Devils when the football
knew how to assemble great teams and people just gravitated to and basketball programs were among the best in the state and
or Nathan Franklin, a great leader understands the im- relationships necessary to make the organization better. He is them because they knew how to win.” carried national ranking.
portance of having great people working with them. He team oriented and understands the importance of surrounding And it is that experience that Walton County School District
Falso recognizes great leaders are not afraid to make tough himself with great talent. Methodist College before continuing on to receive his bachelor’s teachers and administrator point to as a reason for his success in
decisions that come after listening to stakeholders and making “With experience, he will be one of the best superintendents degree from the University of Georgia in mathematics educa- his new role.
informed decisions. in Georgia.”
When looking at what he considers are qualities of a great Leadership has seemingly been a character trait for Franklin
leader, it comes as no surprise to those who know Franklin since he was young. The Dacula native was a team captain for “As a school administrator, I have been fortunate to work for and
that he ascended the educational ranks and now serves as the his high school football team and also served as president of the
superintendent of Walton County School District and its 14,000 school’s Beta Club. with several great leaders. Two individuals in particular have
students. As a student Franklin recalls always having to work hard for
“Dr. Franklin has great integrity and character,” said Gary A’s but was “above average” in math. modeled great leadership for me. They were servant leaders who
Hobbs, who has worked with Franklin both at Loganville High “Occasionally, I would have a teacher who struggled to ex-
plain math in the variety of ways necessary to help a wide range knew how to assemble great teams and people just gravitated to
District. “He will always make the right decision even when that
decision may be unpopular. He is eager to learn and continu- helping other classmates and enjoyed doing so,” Franklin said. them because they knew how to win.”
ally seeks more knowledge to make himself better at whatever “While I wasn’t a math genius, I was able to explain a concept in
job he is in. He is a people person and is adept at building the