The five career teachers in the National Teachers Hall of Fame Class of 2023 traveled recently to Washington D.C., to participate in the first part of induction ceremonies. The Emporia induction activities will begin June 12.
The five inductees are:
- Dr. Rebecca Hamilton from Riviera Beach, Florida;
- Dr. Erick Hueck from Miami, Florida;
- Dr. Caryn Long from Montverde, Florida;
- Kristen Record from Stratford, Connecticut; and
- Monica Washington from Texarkana, Texas.
During their trip to Washington D.C., May 2 through 6, their activities fell into two categories, professional engagement and professional learning. The professional engagement activities included an afternoon at the Department of Education meeting with department officials and recording videos for the department’s newsletter; meeting with representatives, senators, and a member of Sen. Jerry Moran’s staff on Capitol Hill to discuss education issues; and meeting with the National Education Association Board of Directors for a reception and luncheon.
The professional learning activities included a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, an evening tour of the Capitol by Sen. Roger Marshall, a tour of the White House, a visit to the Goddard Space Flight Center where the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is being constructed and an evening tour of the monuments and memorials. The inductees were accompanied by Dr. Ralph Draper, NTHF executive director, and Ken Weaver, interim deputy director.
Emporia induction activities will occur Monday, June 12 through Friday, June 16.
Save-the-date opportunities for the public to participate include the book launch and sale of ESU Professor Emeritus Dr. Stu Ervay’s new book “The New Learning Infrastructure” on Wednesday, June 14 from 3 to 4 p.m. in Skillet Atrium of Visser Hall and Thursday, June 15’s Thank You to The Community activities as follows:
- The Children’s Learning Program co-sponsored with the Emporia Public Library for kindergarten through sixth graders from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Skillet Atrium of Visser Hall on the Emporia State University campus. Thank you to the St. Patrick’s Day Committee for a grant to support the learning activities! Children can register for door prizes from the Imaginarium.
- Forum for Teachers, Substitute Teachers and Paraeducators from 1 to 2 p.m. in Visser Hall 330
- Forum for Superintendents and Principals from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Visser Hall 330
- Haught and Cold Root Beer floats provided by Dr. Steve and Nina Haught for the first 200 attendees at the Emporia Band Concert in Fremont Park starting at 6:30 p.m. until the concert begins at 7:00 pm.
Finally, the induction ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 16, in Webb Hall in the ESU Memorial Union. The public is invited to attend all of these events!