Member Named to National Teachers Hall of Fame
Retired Philadelphia teacher's years of excellence rewarded
Erlene Bass Nelson, a retired Philadelphia School District teacher and a member of the Willingboro, NJ (Pi Mu Omega) Chapter has been named to the National Teachers Hall of Fame.
"Dr. Nelson celebrates what is great in American education today," said Jenny Harder, an official with the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, KS.
Nelson taught kindergarten in the city for 51 years, and is one of five teachers nationwide who will be inducted this year. Reflecting on her teaching career, she said, "From the time I began in 1958 under dozens of superintendents, I have had the pleasure of being a teacher. This award goes to every parent that has been—or, who has been in my life."
She retired from the district in 2008 and is currently an adjunct professor with the district's Parent University, where she educates adults on character development.
The honor was a surprise, Nelson said.
District Superintendent Arlene Ackerman praised Nelson's commitment to education during the announcement at the school board.
"She is beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside...to know her is to love her. On behalf of the thousands of kids you've touched, thank you."
In her 51-year teaching career, Dr. Nelson has earned a host of other honors including Distinguished Educator of the Year in 2007 and the first School District of Philadelphia Carter G. Woodson Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2006. She was also honored as the Team Player Teacher by the Philadelphia Eagles football team in 2003; and as a Team Teacher by USA Today in 1999.
The mission of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor exceptional career teachers, encourage excellence in teaching and preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the U.S. The 2010 induction will take place on June 18 at the Hall of Fame in Emporia, KS.