Should the county establish a Teacher Hall of Fame?
As more and more long-standing Jackson County teachers continue to retire each school year, different ways to recognize those educators are being discussed.
Currently, none of the three districts in Jackson County – Jackson Heights, Holton or Royal Valley – have established a Teacher Hall of Fame or a Wall of Fame in their districts to honor retiring or outstanding teachers.
Before it disbanded this past fall, members of the Holton Optimist Club would award a Secondary Teacher of the Year Award and an Elementary Teacher of the Year Award to teachers at either Jackson Heights or Holton schools. Each recipient would receive a plaque and have their picture published in The Holton Recorder.
Holton Superintendent Dennis Stones said that he and Holton administrators are looking for ways to honor their staff.
“I have been visiting with the principals and have started a district Teacher of the Year process that will compete for the Kansas Teacher of the Year process,” he said.
Stones said he is also in favor of looking into starting a countywide Teacher Hall of Fame.
Jackson Heights Superintendent Adrianne Walsh said that a Teacher Hall of Fame at USD 335 hasn’t been discussed and that she’s appreciated the past efforts of the Optimist Club to recognize local teachers.
Walsh also said that the Kansas State Department of Education offers several awards for teachers, such as the statewide Teacher of the Year award, and she has nominated staff members for those honors.
Royal Valley Superintendent John Rundle said that in his 39 years at Royal Valley, a countywide Teacher Hall of Fame hasn’t been discussed in conversations he’s been involved with but noted it’s an interesting concept.
“I think establishing one locally would potentially cause issues when someone gets selected and other retirees don't,” Rundle said.
In each district, retirees are personally recognized in front of staff members and/or the student body before the end of the school year. Holton also hosts a community-wide reception for retirees prior to its May board of education meeting.
A Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame has been established in Dodge City at 603 Fifth Ave. It is dedicated to the early and present day teachers throughout the state who have devoted their lives to teaching. The museum includes a Hall of Fame Gallery, which displays photos and stories of the 386 teachers that have been named to the Hall of Fame.
The Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, opened in 1977, was the first teachers’ hall of fame in the United States. Each year, nominations are accepted from each of the 12 districts of Kansas. The state selection committee meets in April to review the candidates and complete the selection process.
Nominees must have been a K-12 or vocational school teacher or administrator for a minimum of 25 years in Kansas and:
* Show evidence of outstanding teaching and/or administration.
* Show evidence of positive interactions with students and parents.
* Possess qualities that set him/her apart from other educators. * Demonstrate continued pursuit of educational opportunities throughout career.
* Share ideas by conducting workshops, classes, etc. for parents, teachers and/or administrators.
* Demonstrate involvement in community activities.
* Exhibit educational recognition and awards.
* Submit a 100-word description of his/her philosophy of education.
The 39th class of outstanding educators will be inducted on Saturday, June 6, at the Teacher Hall of Fame in Dodge City.
The current poll question on The Holton Recorder’s website asks community members whether they think local school districts should establish a Teacher Hall of Fame. To vote, visit www.holtonrecorder.net.
Several years ago, the late George Gantz proposed a Teacher Hall of Fame for the Holton school district, but the idea was never advanced.
Many alumni are back this week for Glory Days, and The Holton Recorder is asking for their input on a Jackson County Teacher Hall of Fame. Comments and suggestions can be sent to holtonrecorder@embarqmail.com
