National Teachers Hall of Fame
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NATIONAL TEACHERS HALL OF FAME

2016 INDUCTEES

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Kimberly Stewart Bearden

Atlanta, GA | YEARS TAUGHT: 1987 - Present

Kimberly says that, for her, teaching is like the air – it fills her, it sustains her, it fuels her; it gives her life. Bearden strives to weave magic every day for her students, using what she calls the artistry of teaching, that which engages students and creates a love for learning. When she looks at her students, she doesn’t just see who they are. She believes in what they can become.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2016      The University of Georgia Outstanding Alumni Award
  • 2015      The InfluenceHER Award
  • 2014      LA Times Bestselling Author
  • 2012      Making a Difference Award
  • 2008      Leadership Atlanta Class of 2008
  • 2000      Georgia Teacher of the Year Finalist
  • 2000      Disney Teacher Award
  • 1999      Milken Educator Award
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Debra Hurst

Austin, TX | YEARS TAUGHT: 1977 - 2015

Debra's classroom environment is safe, nurturing and accessible with hands-on learning to support each child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Hurst worked exceptionally hard to ensure that all of her students achieved to their highest potential, no matter their backgrounds, learning styles, or abilities. Creative thinking and problem solving were stressed so that students can succeed in a complex and ever-changing world and become life-long learners.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2011      Master Reading Teacher Certification
  • 2007      HEB Excellence in Education Award
  • 2007      Texas House of Representatives Proclamation of Lifetime Achievement
  • 2005      National KIND Award
  • 2004      Disney Teacher  Award
  • 2004      University of Texas Excellence in Teaching Award
  • 2000      National Board for Professional Teaching Practices Certification
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June Teisan

Harper WOods, MI  | Years Taught: 1987-2014

June’s work ethic is based on a simple philosophy: She loves teaching and has seen firsthand the life-changing impact of a quality education. Her goal is to be the best representative on behalf of fellow educators, serve as a voice for students and families, and join her efforts with those who seek to move education ahead in our country.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2014      Named an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow, NOAA
  • 2013      National Science Teacher Association Middle School PASCO STEM Educator Award
  • 2011      Toyota TAPESTRY $10,000 Grant Awardee
  • 2011      EPA Great Lakes Shipboard and Shoreline Educator
  • 2011      NASA TeacherNaut
  • 2008      Smithsonian Teacher Ambassador
  • 2008      Michigan Teacher of the Year
  • 2008      Finalist for National Teacher of the Year
  • 2005      White House Presidential Award - Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching
  • 2002      National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification and Renewal
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Jennifer de Grassi Williams

Nampa, Id | Years Taught: 1972 - Present

Williams believes that her calling is to teach, and she has never been afraid to take a risk or to embrace challenges. She is adamant that education/art be shared and taken beyond classroom walls in a compelling, meaningful, and compassionate way. Williams is tireless and relentless with an enthusiasm that craves to explore, push boundaries, experiment, experience, and excite. For her entire life, she has been trying to help children and adults of all walks of life to break away from stifling roadblocks, the confines of structure and convention, and perceived inadequacies to show them that the world of creativity offers limitless direction, a universal language, and immeasurable self-esteem.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2012      Idaho Retired Art Teacher of the Year
  • 2009      Distinguished Alumni Award, Boise State University
  • 2006      Idaho Art Teacher of the Year
  • 2002      National Education Association Teaching Excellence Award
  • 2002      Idaho Teacher of the Year
  • 2000      First Place, National Unsung Heroes Award
  • 2000      Governor’s Award in the Arts
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Wade Whitehead

Roanoke, VA | Years Taught: 1994 - Present

Wade is a fourth-generation Virginia public schools teacher and the son of two lifelong elementary school teachers; teaching is in his blood.​ He believes that school should offer a dynamic recipe of imagination, sharing, and discovery that inspires teachers to teach the way students learn.
ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION:
  • 2013      Most Inspiring Teacher, The Roanoker Magazine
  • 2011      Super Teacher Award, Virginia Lottery
  • 2003      Teacher of the Year, Roanoke Sam’s Club
  • 2003      Shining Apple Award, The Roanoker Magazine
  • 2002      Teacher of the Year, Southwest Virginia Forum on Education
  • 2002      McGlothlin Award for Teaching Excellence, McGlothlin Foundation
  • 2001      Best of the City, City Magazine
  • 2001      USA Today Teacher Award
  • 2000      National Educator Award, The Milken Foundation
  • 2000      Teacher of the Year, Roanoke City Public Schools
  • 2000      Shining Star, Roanoke City Council
  • 1999      National Board Certification, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

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Contact Us​

Local: 620-341-5660
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Visser Hall
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Cir
Emporia, KS 66801
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  • Home
  • NOMINATE A TEACHER
  • SUPPORT NTHF
  • Fallen Educators Memorial
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