Thomas Knab Inducted to National Teachers Hall of Fame

The National Teachers Hall of Fame on the campus of Emporia State University inducted their 150th teacher in a ceremony on Friday, June 17th. The Teachers Hall of Fame began in 1989 and hasn’t been able to have an inductee ceremony for the last two years, so it honored five outstanding teachers in 2020 and five in 2022.

The first Art Teacher inducted into this prestigious club was Thomas Knab from Buffalo, NY. Thom has been the art teacher for grades K-4 at Dodge Elementary for the last 32 years.

Many of us know Thom from his years serving as the NAEA President, but he was awarded the NAEA’s Elementary Teacher of the Year and New York State’s Art Teacher of the year, as well as others.
It was a true honor to be Thom Knab’s cheering section for this event!

From left to right, Dr.Charity-Mika Woodard, Thomas Knab, Kathy Schroeder, and Lynn Felts.

Thomas Knab’s guiding principles for teachers: “Foremost, enjoy what you do! Build a relationship with each child. Allow yourself time to grow. Understand that change is inevitable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Emulate the supportive, positive, and energetic teachers in your school. Remember to always be professional and show respect for everyone with whom you work.”

Dr. Charity-Mika Woodard

KAEA Higher Education 

Kansas Art Education Association