Faculty Spotlight

Meet Mrs. Alma Frankel

Chicago, IL, was my childhood home, and later, I attended Boston University. At university, I majored in both Economics and Latin American Studies. My husband, Larry, and I met in a Spanish Literature class during the very first week of the school year in 1990. After graduating, we moved to Fort Lauderdale, where I worked in Public Relations for three years. However, I quickly realized that education was my true calling, so I worked full-time at DKJA while completing my Master’s in Education at night.

During that time, I became pregnant with our first child and completed my Master’s just before Maya was born in 2000. The next ten years marked the beginning of our family and our Unity journey. When Maria Barber toured us in 2003, we didn’t want to leave! We were determined to do whatever it took so that Maya could grow up at Unity. It was absolutely the best school, and we fell in love with Lessons in Living. Both Conscious Discipline and virtue-based learning became key principles that we instilled at home and with each other.

When our second child, Santiago, entered the Toddler program in 2004 with Miss Georgia, I was honored to be the Room Mom. I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but I learned quickly! 🙂 A couple of years later, the USSO welcomed me as the Care & Support Liaison. It always felt wonderful to support my children’s teachers and show my appreciation for their dedication and patience. When my third child, Vicki, entered Orientation in 2010, I followed her to school and became the first-grade assistant to Buffy Crosby—one of the best teachers I’ve ever learned from.

In 2011, Pre-B became my second home. As a teacher, I discovered how truly magical it was to impact so many little ones in a Montessori environment. My teaching philosophy evolved organically with experience. The ability to love each child genuinely while simultaneously establishing clear boundaries became my greatest gift as a teacher (and as a mother). I am proud that my students felt my love, and their eyes still light up when they see me walking down the hallway. Following my students on social media and watching how much they’ve grown warms my heart – and also makes me feel ancient!

Unity School is the most special place to raise children, make friends, and grow. Larry and I grew as a couple and learned to incorporate service and giving back into our marriage. He ran the Fathers Club as well as the Endowment Board for many years, and together we made Unity School our home. I think it will continue to be… forever.