Jana Frankenfield has spent the past two decades supporting students and families across several programs at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.
Now in her tenth year as the teacher of the Autistic Support/Partial Hospitalization classroom at Colonial Academy, Jana began her career with CIU 20 in the fall of 2006 as an associate in an elementary Autistic Support classroom before becoming an associate teacher in the AS/PHP classroom. It was there that she discovered the student population she knew she wanted to teach.
Throughout her career with the IU, Jana has also worked as a teacher in the Multiple Disabilities Support and Early Intervention programs. In addition, she has been involved with Special Olympics as a coach since she first joined CIU 20.
Central to Jana’s approach is building strong relationships, not only with her students, but also with their families. She and her classroom team make it a priority to understand each student as an individual and maintain open, honest communication with families.
She encourages educators to make room for humor and joy, even when navigating challenging moments “Be sure to laugh,” Jana said. “Addressing behaviors doesn’t always have to be serious. Consistent, yes. But have fun with the kids and redirect in creative ways.”
After years of working with students with diverse and complex needs, Jana has one piece of advice for IU employees: “Find one special thing about each child you come into contact with, something that makes them special and unique, and hold onto that,” she said. “You’ll be amazed by what they can accomplish.”