Franklin Community Schools is proud to announce that Literacy Coach Julie Rowen has been awarded the Literacy Educator Excellence Award at the 2025 Educational Excellence Gala. This statewide honor recognizes experienced educators who use evidence-based instructional practices to elevate literacy achievement for students.

Rowen was nominated by Creekside Principal Mark Heiden, who highlighted her leadership in advancing Creekside’s literacy initiative, work that helped the school achieve an impressive 95% IREAD-3 pass rate during the 2024–2025 school year.

Now in her 27th year at Creekside, Rowen has dedicated her career to literacy and early learning. After nearly two decades as a kindergarten teacher, she became an instructional coach supporting new teachers. Five years later, she transitioned into the role of Literacy Coach, where she has helped guide Creekside’s implementation of the Science of Reading in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Education literacy cadre and Marian University.

A lifelong learner, Rowen is also pursuing her master’s degree in Reading Science through Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, further strengthening her expertise in evidence-based literacy practices.

Principal Heiden praised Rowen for her leadership, depth of knowledge, and ability to bring colleagues together around a shared mission of improving student outcomes. “Mrs. Rowen has been instrumental in our Science of Reading work,” he said. “She analyzes student data, internalizes extensive professional learning, and supports our teachers and staff as they embrace new instructional techniques and materials. Because she is such a trusted educator, our teachers feel comfortable working alongside her, even when learning pushes them outside their comfort zones.”

Creekside’s focus on literacy remains strong this school year, particularly as the school works to ensure that every third grader is reading on grade level by May. Despite challenges such as new student populations and the additional needs of specialized programs, the goal remains clear: maintaining a 95% IREAD-3 passing rate and ensuring all students are prepared for fourth grade.

Rowen says the award is deeply meaningful to her. “I was honored to receive the literacy award. It reflects my passion for empowering teachers to help students become successful readers and life-long learners,” she said. “I am so proud of the hard work our teachers put in daily that helped propel our school to a 95% IREAD passing rate.”

Franklin Community Schools celebrates Julie Rowen’s well-deserved recognition and the profound impact she continues to have on literacy education within the school community.