Stephan Frank, a visual arts teacher at Mariner High School in Cape Coral, was named the Lee County School District’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Frank was surprised with a visit at 9 a.m. this morning at his school. Mariner High is located at 701 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral.

Stephan Frank has been working for Lee County public schools for the past 29 years, with the last 21 at Mariner High School. He is a visual arts teacher, and has established a program that consistently produces artists who excel at the high school level and beyond, said Joe Donzelli, a spokesman with the school district.

“Over the years, he’s worked to create a program that allows students to experience a challenging curriculum and evokes thought, problem solving, creativity and confidence. Adults who have read Mr. Frank’s lesson plans have said they want to be part of his class to experience all of the exciting things that happen each and every day,” Donzelli said.

Of the seven teachers nominated for this award, one was from Lehigh Senior High School. She was identified as Caren Pearson.

Other teachers nominated included Debra Goff of Tice Elementary School, Debra Horn of Cape Elementary School Jeff Kullie of Cypress Lake High School, Laurie Metz of Dunbar High School and Renee A. Wagner-Pachiva of Allen Park Elementary School.

Overall, Stephan Frank has been teaching for 33 years and he says now, more than ever, students have to see how their classrooms relate to the outside world.

“The classroom must echo real world experience as close as possible and allow for students to explore subject matter more in-depth,” Frank said. “It needs the approach to learning that knowledge must come from many sources and be disseminated in many ways.

“All of the nominated teachers are outstanding members of the education profession. The winning teacher will represent Lee County Public Schools during the 2010/10 school year, Donzelli said.

Frank will received several items from tickets to the Barbara B. Mann and Broadway Palm theatres to gift certificates and a box of chocolates. The gifts come from the many sponsors of the program.