The 2024 National Teachers Hall of Fame class is now set following the announcement of the class’s final inductee Tuesday.
Former English success coach Keishia Thorpe of Springdale, Maryland learned she would be the final member of the class during a surprise announcement at Charles Herbert Flowers High School Tuesday morning. In addition to being a 20-year-career educator, Thorpe was also a first-generation college student who moved from Jamaica to attend college during which time she altered her original plans to attend law school and instead chose to become an educator noting her decision was “inspired by the desire to champion students, who like me, faced adversity and lacked support from their teachers.”
Thorpe earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and political science in 2003 from Howard University before obtaining a master’s in leadership from Strayer University in 2008 and her principal license in administration from Trinity University in 2021. Thorpe spent the entirety of her career teaching at Title 1 schools where she worked with recent immigrants, helping them navigate a new language and education system.
In a news release from the National Teachers Hall of Fame a former student of Thorpe’s wrote, “I remember the first day I met Ms. Thorpe at the International High School Langley Park. I had just arrived in the country a few days and she was so kind to help me with my journey as a young immigrant student, navigating the challenges of a new culture and a totally different education system. … Her unwavering belief in all of our abilities served as a driving force to push us and me especially towards academic success and instilling in me the confidence to pursue my dreams.”
Math department chair of International High School Jake Scott wrote of Thorpe saying, “Ms. Thorpe’s journey in education has not been without challenges. However, her innovative teaching methodologies with her Multilingual Learners have consistently challenged traditional norms and inspired educators worldwide.”
Thorpe now joins retired chemistry teacher Joe Truesdell of Hilo, Hawaii, music teacher Keith Ballard of San Diego, California, English teacher Shelly Moore Krajacic of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Terry Kaldhusal of Wales, Wisconsin to comprise the 2024 Hall of Fame class. Hall of Fame activities are set to take place both in Washington DC in early May before the core of activities take place in Emporia in mid-June.
