The Texas Council for the Social Studies has named Stephanie Conklin, social studies teacher at Clark Middle School, the 2025 Betty Barringer Texas Middle School Teacher of the Year.

The nonprofit Texas Council for the Social Studies gives its Teacher of the Year awards in recognition of active participation in local, state and national social studies councils and outstanding social studies teaching at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

“Stephanie’s passion for social studies and her dedication to her students are incredible,” said Meridith Manis, managing director of secondary teaching and learning. “She models lifelong learning and inspires both her students and colleagues to think critically, engage deeply with history and see its relevance in their own lives.”

Jeremiah Rush, secondary social studies coordinator, said Conklin “represents the very best of what makes Frisco ISD special.”

“For the past 21 years at Clark, she has made an incredible impact on students and colleagues through her passion for teaching and learning,” Rush said. “Her experience and leadership in curriculum and professional learning have helped shape the way we teach social studies, and her influence extends well beyond our district. We are so proud to celebrate her.”

Conklin has worked in education for 38 years, and joined Frisco ISD in 2004. In addition to teaching social studies, she has served as department chair and instructional coach and is currently content lead. She was named Clark’s Campus Teacher of the Year for 2018-19.

Passionate about social studies, Conklin keeps up with current and best practices to ensure students are engaged in their learning. She said she wants every student, no matter their background, to see themselves in the history of our country.

“I am overwhelmed with emotion receiving this award,” Conklin said. “I love sharing American history with my students and helping them grow as learners. Content is not as important as becoming good citizens who can learn civil discourse and be good stewards for the future.”

Conklin will be honored at a Texas Council for the Social Studies luncheon next month. Congratulations!