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Teaching & Learning

The mission of Teaching and Learning is to provide leadership that creates an environment conducive to high-quality educational experiences for all learners.

In the Franklin Special District, the division of Teaching and Learning maintains a deliberate focus on research-based practices and a strong commitment to individualized, personalized instructional experiences that challenge each student, including students with special needs, in inclusive or general-education classrooms. This commitment extends to the district’s parents, faculty, staff, and school/district administrators through high-quality, ongoing, professional learning experiences and resources that support the district’s vision of Excellence in Teaching and Learning for All and make Franklin Special District distinctly different from other school districts.

Teaching and Learning Spotlight Blog

a large room of school administrators seated around tables with a projection screen in background
2026 FSD Hosts Leadership Retreat
Dr. Mary Decker, Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning

In June, the FSD Leadership Team convened for its annual time of reflection, preparation, learning, and professional collaboration and growth.  Ultimately, the goal of this event is to further the expertise and effective teamwork of FSD leaders so they can provide optimal support to every employee in the district, leading to the best possible learning environment and outcomes for our students.

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a group of administrators holding a large PLC at Work flag
FSD Named Model PLC at Work District
Dr. Mary Decker, Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning

Franklin Special District’s recognition as a Model PLC at Work District reflects a sustained commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and high levels of learning for every student. This distinction, awarded by Solution Tree is based on clear evidence of improved student achievement, faithful implementation of Professional Learning Community practices, and a districtwide culture focused on learning, results, and collective responsibility.

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Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Work Update
Dr. Mary Decker, Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning

Over the past several years, Franklin Special has strived to deepen and sharpen our work as a district Professional Learning Community (PLC). Each school functions as a PLC, and within every school are Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) of educators who continuously analyze data and adjust instructional practices to ensure all students learn at high levels.

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Mary Decker, Ed.D., Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning

Faith Maxwell, Administrative Assistant

205 Eddy Lane
Franklin, TN 37064
615-794-6624

Meet Our Team

image of 5 teaching and learning members

 

Teaching and Learning Organizational Structure

First page of the PDF file: OrgChartTandL
badge that says Innovative Leader AWard 2026

FSD Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Mary Decker, received a 2026 Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award for her leadership in developing and implementing Franklin Special District’s Introduction to Aerospace course, the only high school credit aerospace course in Tennessee offered to eighth-grade students.

The Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Awards recognize district administrators who are advancing innovation through future-ready instruction, emerging technologies, sustainable systems, strategic partnerships, and expanded opportunities for students.

NSPRA Golden Achievement Award badge

In 2025, the FSD was selected as a Golden Achievement Winner by the National School Public Relations Association for the district's two-year-long effort of redefining the district's brand and marketing the schools with a fresh and modern approach, and tying it all into the district's five-year strategic plan.