National Memorial to Fallen Educators

03/06/2026

03/04/2026

The three iconic black granite "books" on the Emporia State University campus currently bear the names of 189 heroes. Today, there are 12 additional educators—teachers, administrators, and staff—whose names are awaiting their rightful place in this solemn tribute.

To ensure these legacies are permanently etched into history, we are proud to announce the launch of our "$12 for 12" community campaign, running from March 3rd to April 3rd.

Our immediate goal is to raise $25,000 toward the total $50,000+ cost of a fourth granite "book". This new monument will ensure that the following 12 heroes are never forgotten:
• Annie Louise Keller (IL), 25: Died saving students from a tornado (1927).
• Diane Peterson (CA), 26: English teacher killed at school (1978).
• Christopher J. Trakimas (PA), 61: Boiler mechanic killed in a workplace explosion (2016).
• Nohema Graber (IA), 66: Spanish teacher killed by students (2021).
• Dan Marburger (IA), 56: Principal killed during a school shooting (2024).
• Ryan Lantz (WV), 52: Journalism teacher killed in a parking lot accident (2024).
• Kevin Garrison (NE), 56: Maintenance supervisor killed in a construction incident (2024).
• Richard Aspinwall (GA), 39: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
• Cristina Irimie (GA), 52: Math teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
• Leah Seneng (CA), 60: Art teacher who died from a rabid bat bite sustained on campus (2024).
• Erin M. West (WI), 42: Teacher killed in a school shooting (2024).
• Carol Mendiola Mooers (AK), 48: School counselor killed in a plane crash while traveling with students (2025).

By participating in the $12 for 12 campaign, you have taken a direct stand in honoring the educators, administrators, and staff who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

11/20/2025

Join Us for the LIVE National Teachers Hall of Fame NTHF Auction TONIGHT (Thurs, Nov 20)! Tonight at 6:05pm central time you can easily watch and participate live at https://youtu.be/HIgG5svC4BU , or listen live on KVOE AM 1400 or 96.9 FM.

You can bid by calling 620-342-1400 or text your bid to 620-342-5863.

You can also call or text in a monetary donation anytime tonight that will be matched by our very generous sponsor!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/11/2025

We invite you to watch and share this moving video from the 2025 National Memorial to Fallen Educators Rededication held this June.
Lovingly compiled by NTHF inductee Terry Kaldhusdal, this tribute preserves the stories, courage, and legacy of educators who gave their lives in service to their students.

▶ Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oap6Q0XYQh4

The 2025 rededication ceremony of the National Memorial to Fallen Educators, held at Emporia State University in Kansas on June 20, 2025, honored nine educat...

06/25/2025

06/23/2025

The NTHF staff... Executive Director Maddie Fennell, Administrative Assistant Bob Haselhuhn and Executive Assistant Lisa Miller Graff. We are proud to serve educators through our work with NTHF and the National Memorial to Fallen Educators.

06/22/2025

On Friday we honored nine educators who have given their all for students. National Teachers Hall of Fame NTHF

06/01/2025

Please help us recognize these heroes! The National Memorial to Fallen Educators - three striking black granite books etched with the names of 189 fallen educators - has reached capacity. Eleven more families are waiting for their loved one’s name to be engraved in stone. Eleven more stories deserve to be told. We’re hoping to raise $30,000 to install a new granite tablet so that these educators can be permanently remembered alongside their peers.

Every day, educators across the country walk into schools rea… The National Teachers Hall of Fame needs your support for Help Us Remember America’s Fallen Educators

09/13/2023

A behind the scenes view of our new drone picture of the National Memorial to Fallen Educators.

10/24/2022

Our hearts go out to the students, staff, educators, parents, family and friends of CVPA High School in South St. Louis, MO.