In June, Dolly Parton will be presenting another outstanding teacher with her Chasing Rainbows Award. This unique and prestigious award is given to a teacher who has overcome obstacles in his/her life and is making a difference in the lives of children. The National State Teachers of the Year organization was excited to present this award to Dolly Parton on April 5, 2002 at the dedication of the Chasing Rainbows Museum in Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Last year's recipient, Susanne Frensley, stated it nicely when she said, "It was an outstanding honor to receive TN TOY because it was given for what I do, but to receive Dolly's Chasing Rainbows Award was extra special because it was given for who I am."
The recipient receives an all-expense-paid weekend trip to Dollywood where Dolly will personally present the award. The recipient's name will be added to the beautiful sculpture that is displayed in the showcase window of the Chasing Rainbows Museum. Millions of tourists each year view the display, which gives honor to the teaching profession.
Former recipients of the award include: '02 - Dr. Renee O'Leary, Delaware; '03 - John Snyder, Nevada; '04 - Dr. Patricia Jordan, New York; '05 - Jim Gallagher, Pennsylvania; '06 - Bobbie Clifton, Mississippi; '07 - Lori O'Brien, Pennsylvania; '08 - Susanne Frensley, Tennessee
Application forms can be obtained from Edna Rogers at: rogersmsedna@aol.com
The National Teachers Hall of Fame is currently preparing to select its 18th class of five inductees. Thirty nomination packets have been screened by the local committee and are being sent to members of the national selection committee. The committee will meet in Kansas City March 11-12 to make the selections, and announcements will be made during April at the inductees' schools. NSTOY, along with ten other educational groups and two recent NTHF inductees, will be represented on the selection committee.
The Hall is also promoting the “One in a Million - Teachers Who Make a Difference” campaign to be a fund raiser and an awareness raiser for the Hall. The website at www.nthf.org contains the form and instructions for honoring a teacher with a minimum donation of one dollar to the NTHF. Past inductees are working on signing up celebrities to help promote the Hall of Fame. With the economic downturn, finances are tight, but supporters are hopeful for new funding.
The first “Future Teachers Academies” to be sponsored by the NTHF will be held in March and April at cooperating universities. ESU faculty members and NTHF inductees will be presenting breakout sessions for high school students who plan to teach. All of these workshops are made possible by a federal grant sponsored by Congressman Jerry Moran of Kansas. This will give the Hall an opportunity to place its name and presence in educational communities in five states this spring and fall. For more information, you can contact Carol Strickland at the Hall of Fame office [1-800-96-TEACH].
The National Teachers Hall of Fame provides office space and support for NSTOY throughout the year, so it is an effective working relationship between two organizations that support quality teaching.
