Arcadia Unified Elementary Teacher Courtney Franz Selected as 2024 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year

Holly Avenue’s Courtney Franz with L.A. County Superintendent Dr. Debra Duardo and L.A. County Board of Education President Dr. Stanley Johnson

ARCADIA, CA – Holly Avenue Elementary School Special Education Teacher Courtney Franz has been selected as a Los Angeles County 2024 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Franz will go on to represent Arcadia Unified in this year’s California Teacher of the Year competition.

Mrs. Franz has been an educator in AUSD for 17 years. In addition to being an exceptional teacher, her impact extends beyond her classroom. Mrs. Franz has developed comprehensive training programs for instructional assistants, which have been adopted at the district level, and she regularly coaches and co-teaches with fellow educators to support student success.

Holly Avenue’s Courtney Franz with Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Kevin Hryciw, Director of Special Education Katherine Mahoney (back row) mom Cindy Morton, her husband Jason Franz, Holly Avenue Principal Teresa Oakland, and AUSD Board of Education Member Jennifer Vargo (front row, left to right)

“Mrs. Franz is a passionate educator known for her unwavering dedication to her students and our entire Holly Avenue community,” said AUSD Board of Education President Raymond Cheung. “Her deep love of teaching and commitment to her students knows no bounds.” 

“Courtney’s enthusiastic and genuine care for empowering students with practical knowledge and perspective to help them tackle both whatever lies ahead for them in life and their personal goals for the future are second to none,” said AUSD Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “She embodies our "Imagine, Inquire, Inspire" tagline in all aspects of her role as an educator and as an invaluable contributor to our team.”

Holly Avenue’s Courtney Franz receives $1,000 from California Credit Union for being a top 16 L.A. County Teacher of the Year

The Arcadia Unified Teacher of the Year is now among the 16 honorees who were chosen as 2024 Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year from a highly competitive pool of 69 teachers representing 65 school districts. She will continue her journey representing L.A. County in the California Teachers of the Year competition this fall, joining other top educators from across the state. The state will then announce the five California Teachers of the Year in October. One of those will go on to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition next year.

“Courtney takes every measure to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally,” said Holly Avenue Elementary Principal Teresa Oakland. “She is truly an exceptional educator who embodies the values of excellence, compassion, and dedication that define the Arcadia Unified School District.”