If you have spent any time around our schools, chances are you have run into Shelley Christiansen. Shelley is a 36-year veteran of the Franklin Township Community School Corporation, a former FTCSC Teacher of the Year, and someone who truly lives and breathes history. Whether she is teaching in the classroom or setting up a life-size horse mannequin for a World War I display at a local museum, Shelley has a passion for bringing the past to life and helping others understand the lessons it can still teach us today.
Recently, Shelley took a major leap of faith into a brand-new arena when she was officially appointed Classic Miss Great Lakes 2026 through the Miss United Crown of America organization. At first, she brushed the idea aside, but the more she learned about the organization’s mission, the more she realized it aligned with what she had always believed in: helping people recognize the positive impact they can make every single day. That message of growth, purpose, and service is what ultimately inspired her to pursue the recognition.
Her platform, “Our History, Our Voices, Our Future,” connects perfectly with the work we do every day in FTCSC. Shelley has spent decades helping our students understand that history is not just something found in a textbook; it helps shape who we are, how we lead, and how we engage with the world around us. This new role allows her to Make A Difference on an even larger scale by advocating for civic education and helping students understand the value of their own voices in a government built “by the people".
Shelley is bringing multiple pillars of our Strategic Plan to life every single day. When she shows up to vote wearing her sash, she is showing students that civic engagement matters and that taking pride in serving your community is worth celebrating. In her classroom, you will routinely see students wearing clothing from different time periods or using historical artifacts as she creates lessons filled with Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration.
"I have been to multiple districts, schools, classes, and class teams, but Kitley is by a mile my favorite," shared student Carson Honeycutt. "Teachers like Ms. C. are awesome examples of why I prefer Kitley. She pushes you not to your limits like most teachers, but beyond your limits. I've realized that I have so much more potential than I thought I did. I'm more confident and more optimistic about my future."
William Schrump noted that Shelley changed his entire approach to school: "Ms. Christiansen has truly changed my definition of learning. I used to mess around just to get by, but this year, Ms. C. taught us a whole different approach. Her teaching has me working smarter and harder. I now take pride in the quality of my work. This year has gone by so fast, but what Ms. C. has taught me, I can use forever."
Nora McMahon even reached out to thank Shelley for pushing her out of her comfort zone: "Dear Ms. Christiansen, thank you so much for giving me Student of the Month! It means so much to me! I know I am like this because of you. You pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way) and helped me to be a better student and overall person."
That impact is exactly why Shelley also hopes this experience reminds her fellow FTCSC educators that they, too, deserve to be celebrated. She believes the work educators do is sacred and essential, and she encourages staff to pursue their passions both inside and outside of school. Whether it is a hobby, volunteering, or leading a new initiative, she knows those experiences help make us even stronger for our kids.
Shelley recently carried this mission to the Soldiers Through Time event at Fort Ben, where she invited the entire Kitley sixth-grade class to experience history through hands-on reenactments. It was yet another example of her commitment to our FTCSC Flashes Community before she moves on to represent the Great Lakes region at the national pageant this September!
#WeAreFlashes #MakingADifference