Congratulations to Oliver Fraenkle, Teacher of the Month

12/03/2018 -

Oliver Fraenkle, a band teacher at Lawrence Jones Middle School in Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, has been named Sonoma County Teacher of the Month for November 2018.

The monthly award honors one of Sonoma County's most outstanding teachers from October through May. It is sponsored by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), K-HITS 1049, and Community First Credit Union (CFCU), with additional support from Platinum Chevrolet.

“We need high-quality, caring teachers now more than ever to help our students thrive in a complex and ever-changing world,” said Steven D. Herrington, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. “The Teacher of the Month program this year seeks to honor, support, and thank those teachers."

Enthusiastic nominations from his students described Mr. Fraenkle as an inspiring and caring teacher who instills in his students a passion for music and learning in general.

"If it wasn’t for this band teacher myself and hundreds of other kids would have horrible grades and wouldn’t be able to experience the feeling you get when you play an instrument," said one student who nominated Mr. Fraenkle.

Another student wrote, "Mr. Fraenkle is one of my favorite teachers I've had throughout my school career. He is an amazing band teacher. He really isn't just a teacher to all of us he is like a friend and when anyone has a problem in class, academic or personal he is there to help."

Mr. Fraenkle was surprised with the award at a student assembly. His students cheered enthusiastically when his name was announced. Mr. Fraenkle received a plaque and $400 classroom supply gift card. He expressed surprise and happiness at the award.