Celebrating great teachers and elevating the teaching profession.
Those are two goals the National Teachers Hall of Fame has had since its inception. Those goals — and two others — are front and center for Ralph Draper as he assumes his new role as the National Teachers Hall of Fame executive director. On KVOE’s Morning Show this week, Draper mentioned two other main priorities.
Draper says re-establishing respect for teachers has taken on a more national focus since the COVID-19 pandemic started over three years ago.
With a lot of legislative bickering over education policy, Draper says the Hall of Fame focuses on the education constant — the teacher — not on potentially shifting policy.
Draper comes on board with the Hall of Fame nearing its annual induction activities. This year’s contingent travels to Washington, DC, next week, with the official ceremonies in Emporia set for mid-June.
Draper started his education career as a substitute teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, nearly 40 years ago. His education career has been rooted in Texas, where he has served as a teacher, principal and administrator, including the last 12 years as superintendent.
