FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY
FACULTY FELLOWS PROGRAM
MISSION
Franklin Road Academy provides a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community with an unwavering commitment to develop leaders of integrity and purpose.
WE WILL:
- Inspire in our students a lifelong love of learning through a dynamic academic program which will prepare them for success in life;
- Encourage students to discover their passions through opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, and servant leadership;
- Nurture leaders of integrity, guided by Christian principles, compelled to lead lives of compassionate global citizenship.
PHILOSOPHY
Franklin Road Academy seeks to prepare global citizens for world-changing lives. A great education takes place across a wide range of experiences: in the classroom, on stage, playing fields, and beyond the gates of our campus. In particular, we understand the need to equip students with the skills to collaborate across borders, communicate effectively, and understand the impact that advances in science, technology, and mathematics will have on future generations. We recognize and take seriously our responsibility to graduate accomplished students who understand the complexity of globalization and are prepared to make a difference in the world with an uncompromising moral compass.
Spiritual development is an essential part of a complete educational experience. We acknowledge the importance of nurturing leaders who are guided by Christian principles and are compelled to lead lives of compassionate global citizenship. We do not prescribe to a particular denominational doctrine.
“Central to the FRA experience is personal development and strong community. We expect that our teachers will inspire, encourage, and nurture our students while also being inspired, nurtured, and encouraged by the strength of our community as they continue to grow throughout their careers.”
– SEAN CASEY, HEAD OF SCHOOL
OUR FELLOWS PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The Fellows Program at Franklin Road Academy is designed to give one year of training and guided teaching experience to recent graduates considering independent school teaching as a career. The program provides candidates who have little teaching experience with the opportunity to hone their craft and pedagogy in a supportive environment while engaging in the lives of our students inside and outside of the classroom. Faculty fellows will work daily alongside a mentor teacher, and they will be treated as colleagues. The Fellows Program is designed with a scaffold approach that allows for increased responsibility throughout the school year. Fellows assume lead teaching responsibilities under their mentor teacher’s guidance as the school year progresses.
In addition to teaching, faculty fellows will engage in regular and ongoing professional development led by a local university professor. All fellows will assist in coaching or co-curricular activities and will be involved in experiential and service-learning trips in the spring. Applications for the Fellows Program are reviewed for all departments in each division.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary
- Furnished housing, internet, and utilities
- Opportunity to enroll in health, dental, life, vision, and long-term disability plans
- Opportunity to enroll in health savings accounts to offset the cost of certain health costs
“The Faculty Fellows Program at Franklin Road Academy is deeply committed to cultivating an environment where meaningful relationships thrive. Our program emphasizes the pivotal role of mentor teachers in guiding fellows through their journey of exploration within the teaching profession. Immersed in our vibrant school community, fellows have the opportunity to develop lasting connections with students, staff, and families.
Integral to our program is the integration of our internship course, providing fellows with relevant and practical insights to excel in their future careers. Through this immersive experience, fellows emerge as well-rounded educators, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact.
It’s gratifying to witness the growth of our fellows, many of whom are sought after by renowned independent schools locally and across the United States. At Franklin Road Academy, we believe that fostering relationships and providing invaluable experiences are key to shaping the educators of tomorrow.”
-SHANNON MURPHY, FACULTY FELLOWS COORDINATOR
COMMITMENT/IMPACT
ACADEMIC ASSIGNMENTS
• During the school year, each fellow will be partnered with a mentor teacher in his or her discipline, collaborating on lesson planning, academic feedback, curriculum design, and classroom instruction.
• When appropriate, fellows will assume instructional duties in one or two of their mentor teacher’s classrooms.
• Fellows will serve as members of one of the three school divisions, attending all-faculty meetings and professional development days.
• Fellows will help students in small groups and one-on-one tutorial sessions, both in the afternoon tutorial period or study hall, and as a supplement to their mentor teacher’s classes when appropriate.
CO-CURRICULAR ASSIGNMENTS
• Fellows will assist or help lead co-curricular activities each season.
• Head coaches will serve as additional mentors for the fellows, helping them develop their abilities to lead and build programs outside of the classroom.
• Fellows will participate in spring experiential learning trips and opportunities, helping lead students on mission trips, coordinating local learning endeavors, and assisting with chaperone duties.
“Our Faculty Fellows embody the essence of excellence, infusing our school with vibrant energy and a commitment to innovation. They seamlessly integrate into student life, fostering deep connections and inspiring a love for learning that extends far beyond the classroom.”
-CHANNING CLARK, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
OUR VISION
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fellows will participate in regular teaching seminars led by a local university professor. This local expert also observes teaching four times a year. During seminar sessions, fellows will focus on both philosophical and practical topics, helping fellows develop their own teaching philosophies while also working to develop proficiency in areas like classroom management, assessment, feedback, lesson design, and delivery of instruction.
Fellows will receive feedback on their lessons from their mentor teachers and from divisional and departmental leadership. FRA faculty members are collegial and regularly observe one another, and fellows are welcome to observe their colleagues’ classes to learn and develop their own abilities and skills.
Fellows will participate in monthly faculty meetings, including regular professional development sessions and discussions.
“At FRA, we foster a vibrant community of passionate educators committed to shaping students and honing their expertise. Central to our faculty fellows program is mentorship, which intentionally empowers our fellows with tailored support, constructive feedback, and abundant resources. Through this mentorship, we cultivate not only personal growth but also impactful teaching, ensuring our educators thrive in their roles.”
- DR. ERIC JOHNSON, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
MADDI DEVEY
Mentor Teacher: Carly Schneider, Upper School English
Fellow Years: 2021-2023
“I enjoyed the relationships that I cultivated with my students, advises, and teams the most! Interacting with students on a daily basis and providing them a safe space to grow into the individuals God created them to be has been my absolute favorite part of my experience. The biggest strength of the fellows program is the ability for fellows to be integrated right away into the FRA community. I felt like I was part of the team from the beginning! Whether it was coaching, working with my department, or helping with convocation, I felt like I was making tangible contributions to my work community.”
PATRICK RAMEY
Mentor Teacher: Mark Williams, Middle School Geography
Fellow Years: 2022-2023
“The Faculty Fellows program is an incredible opportunity to surround yourself with talented, experienced educators who sincerely want to help you learn and grow. Not only will your future students thank you for the lessons you are allowed to learn here, but you will leave the program with a fuller sense of your own identity. My experience at FRA will forever inform my identity and ability as an educator.”
KARLEY WHITEHEAD
Mentor Teacher: Mary Sentell, First Grade Fellow Years: 2021-2022
“Being a faculty fellow allowed me to grow in many different ways. I learned the importance of being involved in school (and across divisions) to make lasting relationships with students. I loved my experience because it has helped shape who I am as an educator. Working alongside Mary Sentell in the classroom was a joy every day; I learned so much from her and will always be grateful for my time with her. I learned the importance of time management and the importance of being vulnerable with my coworkers. I love FRA and spending every day with the best people!”
MATTHEW GROVES
Mentor Teacher: Sonia Higdon, Upper School Science Fellow Years: 2020-2021
“What I enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity for me to gain significant teaching experience while still receiving a salary. Without this position I wouldn’t have been as competitive an applicant for the full-time teaching job I got for next year, and I would certainly be less prepared. Closely studying and collaborating with a master teacher for a full year is a unique opportunity, and it’s been an incredible growth period for me.”
IAN BOMELY | AVON OLD FARMS, CONNECTICUT
Biology and Chemistry Teacher and Assistant Football Coach
“Working as a faculty fellow was an amazing experience, and it solidified that I want to work as a teacher and with kids for a very long time. I learned more in a year working with Stephanie Feyes and other teachers at FRA than I could have learned in a lifetime, and those lessons are put to work each day in my classroom. This is truly an amazing program that guided me onto the perfect career path.”
SYDNEY BUTLER | SOUTHERN TEACHERS AGENCY, NORTH CAROLINA
Sales and Design Associate
“My most valuable take away from the Fellows Program was the relationship I formed with my mentor teacher. The guidance she gave me during my time as a fellow and the guidance she continues to provide is invaluable. Recent graduates interested in a career in education should consider the Fellows Program as it gives you a year of experience and exposure to the many different aspects of an independent school.”
HAYDEN COPELAND | FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY, TENNESSEE
Upper School Bible Instructor, and Head Varsity Golf Coach
“The Fellows Program provided an excellent balance between moments of learning and moments of responsibility. I benefited immensely by soaking in the wealth of knowledge and experience from my mentors. I would encourage any recent graduate to apply for this program, regardless of your background in education, because the faculty and staff at FRA are genuinely invested in you. The connections you make, the skills you learn, and the leadership positions you are entrusted with will serve you well, whether your future is in education or elsewhere.”
FORMER FELLOWS
CALLAHAN KENT | NEW HAMPTON SCHOOL, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Academic Support Instructor, Women’s Varsity Hockey and Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach
“Through the faculty fellow position at FRA, I found my passion for being an educator and coach. Every day when I stepped on campus, I felt part of a community where everyone supported one another and had a desire to be better than they were the day before. I encourage anyone who is interested in education and being immersed in an amazing community like FRA to apply for a faculty fellow position!”
GRACE TAYLOR | SCALES ELEMENTARY, TENNESSEE
Third Grade Teacher
“Having the opportunity to be a faculty fellow at FRA gave me the confidence to walk into my first year teaching. I felt that during my year at FRA I was able to learn more about being an educator, as well as a teammate with colleagues and a beneficial part of a school community.”
JARRETT WHITWORTH | UNC AT CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA
Holographic Optics Fabrication Scientist
“My time as faculty fellow was highly formative for me as a young adult with only a couple years’ experience in the workforce. FRA provided a supportive network for the fellows and cultivated a successful working environment that encouraged us and helped us along our paths as young teachers. While I’m not in education currently, the Fellows Program helped me develop skills of community building and open communication, which are infinitely translatable skills for any job.
“The impact of the Faculty Fellows Program on our school culture has been immeasurable. Over the past several years, I have seen a group of highly motivated, passionate individuals make connections with our students and become part of the fabric of our school. The fellows have done more than assimilate to our school; they have accentuated many areas with their vibrant energy and fresh perspective.”
- JAY SALATO ‘03, HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL
8:1
61
17.3
CAMPUS
62 Acre Welcoming and Secure Campus
Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 and athletic complex on gated campus 15 minutes from the heart of Nashville
Weicker Center for Student Life
features state-of-the-art dining hall, dynamic classrooms, intentional student commons areas, café and spirit store, and new athletic and wellness spaces
Safety and Security
features fenced in perimeter, gated entrance with welcome center, security staff and surveillance cameras
Collegiate-Level Athletic Facilities
comprised of a brand new weight room, lower school turf field, fitness center, a tennis pavilion, multi-purpose synthetic turf field, synthetic football field, natural grass soccer field, baseball and softball fields, four gymnasiums, state-of-the-art golf simulators, turf practice field, and indoor hitting facilities
DNA Lab and Innovation Lab promotes collaborative learning and 3 hands-on experiences and features technology to build, design, and problem solve
Production Theater
provides seating for 700 with professional sound and lighting
Art, Band, Dance, Drama, and Voice Studios
allow students to express creativity in specialized spaces
Scarlett Family Chapel
provides seating for 900 for convocations, chapels, and community events
HIGHLIGHTS
1085 Students from Pre-kindergarten - Grade 12 from 44 different zip codes and diverse backgrounds
125 Faculty Members
70% hold advanced degrees
Technology Integration
1:1 technology program for students in grades K-12
Advanced Placement & Honors Courses
23 Advanced Placement courses, 16 Honors courses, and 85% of students take at least one AP or Honors course
61 Athletic Teams
varsity, junior varsity, and middle school (TSSAA, Division II)
Accreditation by SAIS and AdvancED, member of Global Online Academy
PROGRAMS
Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12:
STEM Program
Visual and Performing Arts Program
Robotics Program
Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW)
Devotionals, Convocations, and Chapels
Service Learning allowing students to serve and work with local ministries
Grades 9 - 12:
Mission Trips
Three College Counselors
Emerging Leaders Institute
Turner Fellows Internship Program partners students with local non-profits
Interim Program
international travel, job shadowing, and community involvement
Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
AWARDS
National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized 46 students from 2012-2023
International Robotics Honor Society inducted five students for the 2022-23 school year
Top Workplace in Tennessee awarded in 2023 by the Tennessean
CLASS OF 2023
Academic Honors
31 AP Scholars & 21 members of National Honor Society
Cum Laude Society
17 students were inducted in 2023
College Statistics
157 unique college acceptances by 81 seniors
Five students committed to play collegiate athletics
More than 10 percent to pursue arts in college
Four AP Capstone Diploma Recipients
