National Teachers Hall of Fame

The National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) was founded in 1989 by Emporia State University, the ESU Alumni Association, the City of Emporia, USD 253, and the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce as a tribute to our nation’s most important profession – - teaching. The Hall of Fame is committed to drawing the public’s attention to exceptional PreK-12 teachers through a museum, teacher resource center, and recognition program which honors five of the nation’s most outstanding PreK-12 educators each year. The NTHF is the only facility of its kind dedicated to recognizing career teachers, to preserving and promoting education, and to serving our country by inspiring others to enter the teaching profession. A National Selection Committee representing educational organizations, NTHF membership, and corporate America consider nominations from a pool of certified public or non-public teachers, active or retired, who have at least 20 years of full-time experience teaching in grades PreK-12. Induction activities occur annually in Emporia, Kansas, and Washington D.C. The first induction was held in June of 1992. Currently there are teachers from 37 states and the District of Columbia inducted into The National Teachers Hall of Fame.