A big shoutout goes to Shelly Moore Krajacic, Aimee Swanson and Heather Hanson for recent recognition for the great work they are doing teaching our kids in South Milwaukee (including my own).
From the South Milwaukee School District …
Shelly Moore Krajacic Named to Class of 2024 for the National Teachers Hall of Fame
SOUTH MILWAUKEE – A South Milwaukee English teacher English language arts teacher at South Milwaukee High School is one of only five teachers across the United States to be named to the National Teachers Hall of fame as a member of the Class of 2024.
On March 21, Shelly Moore Krajacic was surprised with the honor in the High School Library, where she was met by current and former colleagues, students, and family members.
“I love all of my students, you know that. I just want to see you be happy and successful in how you choose to be,” Krajacic said. “Education really is the single greatest thing we can give to the next generation.”
“Each year we proudly recognize only five outstanding educators from across the country with an extremely rigorous selection process,” National Teacher Hall of Fame Acting Executive Director Maddie Fennell said.
“We’re gathering today to celebrate Shelly’s remarkable achievements, her unwavering dedication to our profession, and the profound impact she’s had as a third-generation Wisconsin public school teacher.”
Also speaking about her career was Superintendent Deidre Roemer, former South Milwaukee Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, and SMHS Principal Bryan Terry.
“I am continuously impressed by Shelly’s endless ardency in regards to all things conducive to student growth and engagement,” said Katie Swanson, a fellow English teacher at South Milwaukee High School. “When the Student Senate needed an adviser, Shelly stepped in. When the drama department needed a set designer, Shelly constructed three-dimensional models. When the district needed mentors for new teachers, Shelly took on that role. She regularly demonstrates the degree to which her commitment to students goes beyond their academic growth and extends to their overall emotional and psychological wellbeing.”
The NTHF Class of 2024 will travel to Washington D.C., in early May for ceremonies there. They will travel to Emporia, Kansas, in June for four days of events before the formal induction ceremony on June 21 at Emporia State University.
About Moore Krajacic
She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English, political science and theatre from University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, her master of science degree in English education from University of Wisconsin at River Falls and began work toward a Ph.D. in urban education from University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in 2019.
Krajacic began her teaching career in 1998 at Ellsworth Community High School where she taught English and theatre until 2018. In 2020 through 2021, she taught English education at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. She joined the South Milwaukee High School English department in 2021.
About the Hall of Fame
Krajacic is not the first Wisconsin teacher inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She joins Deborah Lynn Tackmann, who was inducted in 2012. Founded in 1989 on the campus of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame has inducted five U.S. teachers each year since 1992. The qualifications for induction are:
- At least 20 years of full-time pre-K-12 teaching experience.
- May be retired or no longer teaching.
- Must hold/have held a valid teaching certificate/license from the state in which
they are teaching or taught. - Bachelor’s Degree or higher.
- Be living and able to attend the induction ceremonies in Washington D.C. in May and in Emporia, Kansas, in June.
- No self-nominations are allowed.
“The selection process is inherently challenging,” shared Maddie Fennell, Acting Executive Director of NTHF. “Every year, we are astounded by the caliber of nominees we receive.”
Fennell continued, “Shelly’s nomination stood out due to her exceptional teaching prowess, unwavering advocacy efforts, and remarkable leadership skills. “To be chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame is a monumental career achievement, with only five educators selected each year from amongst millions.”
The NTHF Class of 2024 will travel to Washington D.C., in early May for ceremonies there. They will travel to Emporia, Kansas, in June for four days of events before the formal induction ceremony on June 21 at Emporia State University.
Check out coverage from WISN, Fox 6 and the Journal Sentinel.
Hanson, Swanson Named Kohl Foundation Teacher Fellows
Also, congratulations to SMHS Social Studies teacher Heather Hanson and Choir and Music Educator Aimee Swanson for being named Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellows. Both were nominated “for their leadership and service in and outside the classroom and their ability to inspire a love of learning and to motivate their students.”
Both teachers will receive $6,000 for themselves and $6,000 each for SMHS.
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