Frank Wapole

Great Minds Schools Success Lead

Frank started his journey in education as an 8th-grade math teacher in Chicagoland, where for 10 years he loved supporting students in finding the joy in learning mathematics. While he had trained to be a high school math teacher, he quickly grew to love working with middle school students.

Frank found that he could make a huge impact on how students at such a formative age see themselves as mathematicians. Frank became chair of a high school math department, a position he held for three years, in which he facilitated professional learning and taught a single class each year. In his final year there, Frank taught a blended learning class, where he used asynchronous lessons twice per week so that students could become self-motivated learners.

Later, as an assistant principal at a high school just outside Chicago, Frank expanded his leadership role beyond math education. In addition to supporting career and technical education (CTE), world languages, and social studies, Frank also supported teachers in redesigning the school’s magnet academy. Frank eventually transitioned into an instructional coach, supporting teachers across the country as they implemented a high-quality math curriculum. He uses that experience in his current role supporting students and teachers at Great Minds Virtual.

Outside of education, Frank enjoys spending time with his wife Erica and his two children, Joey and Sully. When he can find the time, he also loves playing disc golf, playing guitar, and listening to podcasts.