Woman Crush Wednesday: Rachel Turanski

Every hump day a Philly person shares their local picks for Woman Crush Wednesday. Today, Rachel Turanski, a performer (as Ms. Tension), life-long dance-party enthusiast, wannabe astrologer and educator. She currently teaches 9th grade English at Olney Charter High School, where she’s known on campus as “the teacher with the pink hair who raps.” 

Rachel Turanski

My name is Mama T and I dedicate this WCW to all the hot and inspiring teachers in my life.

Hyewon Gehring

This here is one of the best mama bears in Philadelphia. This tough cookie Taurus is smart as a whip and so hardworking that you wonder if she has tiny fairies that help her manage it all. Her drive to build a balanced and holistic community of love and mutual support wherever she takes the helm is one of her most defining and inspiring characteristics. Tell me you know another principal that leaves you candy on your desk and uplifting notes to get the workweek going! Currently Hyewon is an elementary school principal in Camden, New Jersey, leading from the heart and making children do group "cat poses" for the camera on a regular basis.

Lauren Overton

Take one middle school history teacher with an encyclopedia for a brain, an amazing cook (and I mean amazing) with the same birthday as Julia Child, a powerhouse tri-athlete with legs for days, and bake on high for 30 minutes. Hot out of the oven is a sassy Leo with a heart so big she spreads sunshine wherever she steps and wild amounts of gusto only a former theatre major would possess! Lauren currently teaches 7th and 8th grade at Meredith Elementary School where she makes mystified children grab their heads and proclaim, "I don't believe anything anymore!"

Katrina Clark

Katrina is probably one of the most student-focused educators I have had the pleasure of working with, collaborating with, and learning from in all my years of teaching. Her inquiry-based approach to teaching truly comes from her own personal and continual quest for the unanswered "why?" This outspoken, dedicated, and determined Aquarian always leaves room for the hard questions and continually puts what is best for the students above all else! Katrina is a veteran educator currently working with 9th graders at Olney Charter High School where she is also co-founder of the school's successfully evolving GSA. Follow her on Twitter @misskatrina for the latest debates in the world of education.

Sarah Apt

This Spanish-speaking ESL teacher originally from Pittsburgh is a blessing in this city. Sarah is a fiery and kind-hearted Cancer, an extremely dedicated advocate for Olney's ELL population, and works tirelessly to see that our students' needs are met. Her passion extends far beyond the classroom as she seeks to create a loving and supportive community beyond the school's walls. She has the patience of a saint, a never-ending smile, and the magical hands of a healer. Seriously, her back massages are the absolute best. Get in line, ladies!

Hanako Franz

If I could go back to high school I would most definitely want to be in Ms. Franz's World History class! Not only do I have the pleasure of spinning across the dance-floor on Friday nights with this queer cutie, but I get to see the rest of her magic in action on a regular basis. This straight-talking Virgo is a founding member of Philadelphia's Teacher Action Group, a co-founder of Olney's GSA, and a brilliant leader focused on opening dialogue among students and staff with a radical, anti-oppressive, culturally sensitive, and community-based approach. Hanako is currently a 9th grade teacher at Olney Charter High School, in her 4th year of teaching, encouraging students to build worlds where rainbows and unicorns reign supreme.

Share your Woman Crush Wednesday!

Here are the rules: (1) Name five to 10 ladies you’re crushing on (2) You and all women involved must be from Philadelphia (3) Email your crushes to ferrazchristina@gmail.com.

Our Last Five Woman Crush Wednesdays:

• Samantha Jo Dato
• Jamie Gordon
• Rachelle Lee Smith
• Kaylynn McLean
• Cece Rex