Faculty & Staff Directory

Tim Franklin taught math and science at Paducah Middle School, where he developed and implemented project-based learning in the science curriculum and integrated computer science instruction. Franklin’s classes incorporated a project-based model to aid students in the creation, design, and execution of projects that meet needs in the community.

Franklin has been an educator since 2006. He taught middle school science in Marshall County for seven years. Prior to that, he taught high school physics and middle school science in Lyon County, where he was named Lyon County Teacher of the Year in 2010-11. Franklin was selected as the 2020 Regional Educator of Year, a Murray State University “Going the Extra Yard” Educator award recipient, and a 3E Leadership Educator of the Month.

Franklin is credentialed as an OSHA compliance trainer, and has worked as an Industrial Hygienist/Consulting Engineer for business and industry in the region.

Franklin received his bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health Engineering and a master’s degree in Middle School Education from Murray State University. He received a master’s degree in ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary and has served churches in the region as a minister for over 20 years.

John Romang graduated from Eastern Illinois with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2006 and again with a Masters Degree in Arts in 2020. He first began his teaching career in Massac County teaching grades 1st through 8th. He came to Tilghman in 2017 bringing 11 years of experience with him. Since arriving each year students of Tilghman have won multiple awards at the Yeiser Art Centers Annual Teen Spirit award showcase. Romang has been part of the Paducah art community since arriving in 2006, this includes 5 solo art shows and many group exhibitions. He has shown his work outside of Paducah as well, in such cities as Nashville and Chicago. His work has been awarded grants and even included in Museum exhibitions. He continues to be a practicing artist in his time away from Tilghman.

Stephen Ybarzabal is a native of New Orleans, LA. After twelve years of Catholic school, he attended Louisiana State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a teaching certificate in biology.

After graduation, Stephen relocated to Mobile, AL and was hired as an advanced biology instructor and volleyball coach at UMS-Wright Preparatory School. During his tenure at UMS-Wright, Stephen was given the opportunity to teach various science classes in grades five through twelve. He initiated the start-up of elementary, middle, and high school Science Olympiad teams that earned regional and state honors. Additionally, during his five years of coaching volleyball, his team played in four state championship tournaments.

In 1999, Stephen was given the opportunity to relocate to Paducah, KY. During the 1999-2000 school year, Stephen served as the Dean of Students at St. Mary High School while teaching chemistry and anatomy/physiology. The following year, he was recruited to join the faculty at Paducah Tilghman High School. During his six-year tenure at Tilghman, Stephen taught biology, integrated science, and AP psychology. He also started the volleyball program and served in several leadership roles including SBDM council member, science department chair, and PBIS team leader. At the same time, Stephen continued his education earning a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, Certification as a Director of Pupil Personnel, and Superintendent Certification from Murray State University.

In 2006, Stephen was hired as the assistant principal of Clark Elementary, and in 2011 he was named principal. During his fourteen-year tenure at Clark, Stephen has been able to lead his school to distinguished status. He was selected to be part of the Kentucky Educators’ Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership in 2012. In 2013, Stephen was named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Steve Beshear. Stephen also continues to foster the strong relationship between Clark Elementary and the College of Education at MSU. He helped with the development and implementation of the Professional Development School program and has hosted PDS students each year.

In 2019, Stephen was given the Outstanding Education Administrator award by Murray State University for his work in the development and implementation of the PDS program. In 2020, he was given a Distinguished Service Award by the Kentucky Department of Education for work related to his current position.

Ybarzabal currently serves as the principal of the Paducah Innovation Hub and is an adjunct professor for the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University.

Stephen has been married to his wife Susan for 25 years. They have two children: Madelyn who is a senior at Louisiana State University and Zachary who is a senior at Paducah Tilghman High School.

André Meadows graduated from Shawnee Community College in 1995 and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University in 2002. He later earned a degree in school administration from Murray State University in 2007. He’s spent the last five years teaching social studies at Paducah Middle School. Before joining Paducah Public Schools, Meadows served as an administrator and a teacher with Massac Unit School District 1 in Metropolis.

Meadows said his favorite part of teaching is seeing a student’s amazement when they learn something new, and the “lightbulb turns on. “That’s the most exciting part about teaching, when they figure it out.”