kate frank (february 5, 1890 – april 1982) was a missouri-born, oklahoma teacher who taught for nearly 50 years. she was instrumental in the founding of the oklahoma education association, served as its first president, and later, donated the initial monies for the trust that became a legal defense fund for educators. she served as vice president of the national education association in the 1940s and was the first national retired teacher of the year recipient. honored by many awards, she was inducted into the oklahoma women's hall of fame in 1983.