“Teachers affect eternity, no one can tell where their influence stops.” Henry Adams
who we are
The National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF), located in Emporia, Kansas, was founded in 1989 as a tribute to our nation’s most important profession: Teaching.
The NTHF is committed to drawing the public’s attention to exceptional career teachers through a recognition program which annually honors five of the nation’s most outstanding PreK-12 educators with at least 20 years of teaching experience by inducting them as Members of the National Teachers Hall of Fame.
The NTHF includes a museum whose collection is focused on the history of education, the Members, and the Hall of Fame to preserve and promote education to inspire others to enter the teaching profession. The NTHF has been endorsed by education organizations across the nation.
In addition, NTHF joins the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Teacher Educators, the American Association for Employment in Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Kappa Delta Pi, the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs, the National Association of Professional Development Schools, the National Association for Multicultural Education, the National Collaborative for Digital Equity, and the National Education Association as a member of the National Coalition of Educators. Members share a collective desire to raise the profile of teaching by supporting high quality teacher education beginning with educator preparation and extending throughout educators’ careers. The coalition represents a pivot in the field toward increased cooperation in our educational space that allows for mutual benefits and mutual support for each other’s initiatives. .
31 years of service to america's educators
155 teachers recognized for touching the lives of those around them
41 states and Washington D.C. represented
our mission and vision
The mission of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor exceptional career teachers, encourage excellence in teaching, and preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the United States. The vision of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to be a prominent national organization that enhances the public’s awareness of the vital role of education in society by working collaboratively with national education organizations and building linkages with other national teacher recognition programs. The Hall of Fame will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of exceptional career teachers, preserve their careers in museum and virtual formats, and utilize their skills and experiences to elevate teacher quality and student learning through integrated programming.
“At the heart of a democracy is its educational system, and in the heart of America is The National Teachers Hall of Fame.” Bill Clinton
Our Model
As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Hall of Fame seeks private, financial support and encourages organizations and individuals to join and support us in our effort to bring Hall of Fame recognition to members of the most important profession in the country. The Hall of Fame has been fortunate to receive philanthropic support from educational organizations, corporations, businesses, foundations, and individuals. Philanthropy has been a critical element in the growth of the NTHF and we are grateful for the the kindness of both our donors and our inductees who have worked tirelessly to continue to promote the NTHF mission.
tHE nATIONAL tEACHERS hALL OF fAME mUSEUM
Our museum accepts donations of school memorabilia to display so that the younger generation will know what a slide rule is, or how we once copied materials with a ditto machine. We preserve the heritage of the education profession through displays and hands-on opportunities as well as through a collection of early textbooks and school supplies.
Located on the Emporia State Universitycampus, the NTHF Museum also includes a gallery of honored teachers, a Wall of Fame, and a display of classroom miniatures through the centuries.
The museum is free for visitors and open to the public:
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm Closed on weekends and federal holidays.