ENON, OHIO (May 19, 2025) — Greenon Local Schools is proud to announce that Mr. Tom Jenkins, a recently retired STEM and science teacher at Greenon Junior/Senior High School, has been named one of only five teachers nationwide inducted into the 2025 Class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Jenkins was honored during a special segment this morning on CBS Mornings, recognizing outstanding educators nationwide for their lasting impact on students, schools, and the teaching profession.
Jenkins spent 27 years in education, 25 of them in Greenon Local Schools, inspiring students through real-world learning, hands-on experimentation, and teaching. His innovative classroom methods and dedication to student success earned him a well-deserved spot among the most distinguished educators in the nation.
Superintendent Darrin Knapke shared his appreciation for Jenkins’ contributions to the district:
“We were incredibly fortunate to have Tom Jenkins in our classrooms for over two decades. His passion for STEM education, creative teaching styles, and commitment to innovation have left a lasting impact on our district. We are proud that our collaboration continues as he now serves in a broader educational role.”
Jenkins’ accolades extend well beyond this specific honor. He was named an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for the 2022–2023 school year, one of just 15 K–12 STEM educators in the nation selected for the honor. He was also recognized locally for his excellence, receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award for Clark County, sponsored by the Springfield Rotary Club, Ohio Edison, the Springfield Foundation, and the Chamber of Greater Springfield.
One of Jenkins’ most notable achievements came in 2022, when he led Greenon High School’s InvenTeam to earn a U.S. patent for their invention — an animal-friendly net system designed to reduce man-made debris in local waterways. The invention, created through student collaboration and mentorship from local businesses, allows water to flow freely while trapping harmful debris, demonstrating Jenkins’ philosophy of “STEM with a purpose.”
Jenkins began his teaching career in Springfield City Schools before joining Greenon in 1999. Since retiring from public education in 2024, he has continued his educational mission as a STEM and aerospace museum education specialist at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Based in Emporia, Kansas, the National Teachers Hall of Fame will host Jenkins and the other 2025 inductees for Induction Week in June. Activities will include national media events, a Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site tour, and participation in the National Memorial to Fallen Educators rededication ceremony. The formal induction will take place on Friday, June 20 at Emporia State University.
Founded in 1989, the National Teachers Hall of Fame honors career teachers who exemplify excellence in the classroom and have made significant contributions to the field of education. To learn more or to nominate a teacher for the Class of 2026, visit https://nthf.org.
Greenon Local Schools congratulates Mr. Jenkins on this incredible achievement and thanks him for his lasting legacy that continues to shape students, teachers, and our Greenon Knights community.
