TOWAMENCIN- Not many educators can say they have fallen into a pool while teaching a class; however, Mr. David Franek, teacher at North Penn High School, checked that one off of his bucket list not too long ago.

In his fifteen years of teaching aquatics, Franek has never once fallen in the pool. While looking down at his skill cards, he was walking and didn’t realize how close to the edge he was. After falling in, Franek quickly hopped out of the pool with a positive attitude and taught the rest of the period soaking wet.

“I think the class reaction was a gasp at first,” explained Franek. “Then, when they saw I was ok, [there was] a laugh or two. I think some kids missed it and were pretty mad they did.”

Franek went on to explain that he still can’t believe his phone survived and is now more aware of his place on deck.

However, being on the edge of the pool perfectly describes Franek’s role in his contributions to North Penn. Always being on the forefront, Franek explained that he isn’t someone who sits back. Whether it’s offering curriculum suggestions for the Physical Education Department or getting involved with a committee, Franek can be seen trying to improve the school and community as he strives for North Penn to be the best in every aspect.

Aside from an aquatics teacher, Franek instructs other classes including a life skills course in a physical education and swimming setting, health, and a class of students who work to complete the required Red Cross test since they haven’t yet passed swimming. These particular subjects have always interested from a young age as he found himself constantly wanting to help people throughout school, whether it was in a math or physical education class. Franek went on to explain why the subjects he teaches are so crucial for everyone to experience.

“I do believe that you could be the smartest person in the world with a lot of stuff and that’s great, but if you don’t have your quality of life, health, or happiness, I think you do suffer,” revealed Franek.

Teaching gives Franek the opportunity to further pursue another interest of his: coaching. Currently, Franek coaches varsity football for North Penn High School’s defensive backs and works with the team’s tight ends. He also served on the coaching staff for the school’s Boys’ Track and Field team for about twelve years as he worked with those involved with throwing, shot-put, discus, and javelin. Whether he was coaching football or track, Franek wanted the athletes to have a great experience.

“What I love about football and track is that their non-cut sports here and North Penn is so competitive with its athletics,” explained Franek. “It’s nice that kids can come out for sports like football and track and be a part of a team [to] get discipline, see leadership, know what it’s like win, know what it’s like to lose, and work for a common goal.”

With such a vast amount of experience in teaching and coaching at the high school, Franek has been exposed to many significant changes. He explained that the most considerable change has been in regards to technology. When he first began teaching, the department shared one computer in the planning center and pay phone banks were available for use throughout the building. Now, students are seen on their phones or with ear buds in as they walk the halls. However, Franek recalled a few of the more physical changes to the high school seen throughout the years. For his first five years, Franek taught in the old pool’s location, which is now the auxiliary gym, until the current one was constructed. The fitness center has also been modified as it now resides upstairs about three times the original size.

Although the school has had major changes since he first began, one thing remains the same: his love for teaching. Franek explained that his experience has reassured himself that educating proves to be influential as he impacts students’ lives. Having kids come back to tell him he helped them through a tough time or knowing that a little smile goes a long way is exactly why he loves working with kids.

Franek revealed that his wife, a teacher at North Penn High School, has always been great with helping him manage things. Knowing he enjoys the things he does, she is flexible in order to accommodate his meeting or coaching schedule when considering their two children’s busy schedule. On or off the field, Franek utilizes the strategy much like a team does in order to balance the demands being a father, husband, teacher, and coach.