As the National Teachers Hall of Fame gears up for its annual induction activities over the next two months, it’s also planning for its long-term future.
There have been quiet concerns about the Hall’s longevity after the short leadership tenure of Ralph Draper, who replaced longtime director Carol Strickland only to have a stroke last year. Interim Director Maddie Fennell, KVOE’s Newsmaker guest Tuesday, says the Hall’s Board of Trustees has done a “deep dive” into future plans — and has come up with a plan to keep the Hall in Emporia while focusing on increasing its national presence.
Fennell says the feasibility study was also directed in part by feedback from inductees.
Fennell says education-related boards have had to “retool” after the COVID-19 pandemic, including working with reduced donations, and the National Teachers Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees was no different.
Fennell says the Hall of Fame will have to redo its website and expand its social media to elevate its national presence in general terms and also to increase awareness about the National Memorial to Fallen Educators. A major fundraising and development campaign, in addition to the annual KVOE radio auction held every November, is also under discussion.
This year’s induction class:
*English teacher Shelly Moore Krajacic of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
*History teacher Terry Kaldhusal of Wales, Wisconsin
*Music teacher Keith Ballard of San Diego, California
*Retired chemistry teacher Joe Truesdell of Hilo, Hawaii
*Former English success coach Keishia Thorpe of Springdale, Maryland
The Washington, DC, induction activities take place in early May. Fennell says there will be tours of the White House and US Capitol, meetings with US Department of Education officials, a trip to the Smithsonian and an appearance at the Kennedy Center among other stops.
The official induction activities in Emporia in mid-June will include the traditional interview on KVOE’s On-Air Chat, the annual Emporia Municipal Band concert and the formal banquet.
