Northwestern Oklahoma State University Honors Kindergarten Teacher Cecely Franz as Fall 2025 'Teach Like a Ranger' Recipient
November 20, 2025
Cecely Franz (back row, left) poses with her kindergarten class and paraprofessional Starlet James (back row, right) at Washington Early Childhood Center.
ALVA, Okla. — Cecely Franz’s journey into teaching began long before she stepped into her first classroom.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I just wanted to be a teacher,” she recalls. “I played teacher, I played school.”
Growing up surrounded by family members who were educators, Franz found herself naturally drawn to the profession, inspired by the great teachers who shaped her own education.
A proud Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumna, she earned bachelor’s degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education in 2017, followed by her master’s degree in education as a Reading Specialist in 2019.
Today, Franz brings that lifelong passion to her kindergarten classroom at Washington Early Childhood Center (WECC) in Alva.
“From the moment Ms. Franz began teaching for me at Lincoln eight years ago, she’s been a star,” said Madison Williams, principal at Washington. “Her students don’t just learn; they belong. She has a way of making learning fun and engaging while still keeping up with the paperwork, committees, and extra duties that come her way.”
Cecely Franz leads her kindergarten students during morning activities at Washington Early Childhood Center.
After spending eight years teaching fourth grade, Franz made a bold move to teach kindergarten.
"I was ready for a change, ready to try something new,” Franz said. “I wouldn't know if I liked something different if I didn't step out of my comfort zone and try something different.”
The transition to kindergarten proved to be exactly what she needed.
"I ended up loving it, just like I loved fourth grade,” she said.
Williams said Franz’s transition went incredibly smoothly.
“For anyone walking into her classroom, it would be impossible to tell she’s new to kindergarten—because she teaches with such natural grace and confidence,” Williams said. “She is always eager to learn and constantly seeks ways to grow.”
Kindergarten teacher Cecely Franz dances with her class and paraprofessional Starlet James in Washington Early Childhood Center.
Franz's classroom is filled with creative learning experiences, from guessing games to innovative uses of letter cards. When asked where she finds her inspiration, Franz is quick to credit her colleagues.
“My team is awesome," Franz said. "They share so many different ideas and different things.”
She also draws inspiration from observing other educators, both in person and through social media platforms.
“I take a lot of influence from my team and other great teachers that I see trying new things,” she said.
After watching a teacher play the game HedbanzTM with students, Franz adapted the concept for her own letter recognition activities—demonstrating her ability to transform good ideas into practical classroom applications.
Kindergarten teacher Cecely Franz answers one of her student’s questions during class at Washington Early Childhood Center.
For first-year teachers, Franz offers grounded, practical advice.
“Ask for help when you need it,” she said. “Be willing to understand that things aren't going to go the way that you expect the first time.”
She encourages new teachers to reflect on lessons that don't go as planned and use those experiences to better meet their students' needs.
To those considering the teaching profession, Franz's message is clear: “Go for it.”
She recommends finding inspiring teachers to talk with, observing in various classrooms, and volunteering to gain experience with different grade levels.
“The more teachers that you see teaching, that's how you get ideas, that's how you feel comfortable being up in front of students,” Franz said.
Reflecting on her preparation for teaching, she credits her time at Northwestern as foundational to her success.
"I would not have been nearly as prepared for what I do as a teacher if it weren't for the Northwestern education program and all the amazing teachers that I had,” Franz said.
Franz’s commitment to the teaching profession extends beyond her own classroom. For the past two summers, she has served as an adjunct instructor for the Northwestern Division of Education, teaching methods courses in the Para to Degree program.
By sharing her expertise and real-world classroom experience with aspiring teachers, Franz helps shape the next generation of educators while maintaining her connection to Northwestern.
Cecely Franz interacts with her kindergarten students during class at Washington Early Childhood Education Center.
“Cecely’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching inspire everyone around her,” said Dr. Jen Oswald, chair of the Northwestern Division of Education and associate professor of education, who had the privilege of teaching Franz during her time at Northwestern.
Franz embodies what it means to “Teach Like a Ranger”—bringing passion, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous growth to everything she does.
“She truly cares for her students, and that genuine love for others shines through in everything she does,” Oswald said. “We are incredibly proud of her and the remarkable career she is building.”
Oswald said Franz’s students are fortunate to learn from an educator who still carries the same enthusiasm for teaching that she had as a child playing school, now refined by years of experience and a dedication to excellence.
“Ms. Franz isn’t a great teacher simply because of experience,” Williams said. “She’s a great teacher because of the love, care, and dedication she models and builds every single day in her classroom. I am so very grateful to have her at Washington and proud to be her administrator.”
Learn more about Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Division of Education by visiting the Northwestern education programs page.
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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480