BOWLING GREEN — Three outstanding educators have been selected for the third class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. 

The three chosen by a statewide selection committee are Walter Dick, of Cumberland, Linda D. Childress, of Cub Run, and Frances Steenbergen, of Glasgow.

They will be inducted during a ceremony Jan. 26 at the state Capitol in Frankfort.

“The three individuals selected for induction in the class of 2010 exemplify the quality of accomplishments and professional commitment by educators that has placed Kentucky in a position of leadership in education reform,” said Dr. Sam Evans, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Western Kentucky University.

The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame was created in 2000 through a gift by former Gov. Nunn, who hoped to recognize the vital role that primary and secondary teachers in Kentucky play in the education of young people and the positive impact education has on the state’s economy. WKU was selected as the home of the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame because of its 100-year history in teacher education.

A native of Cumberland, Dick is characterized as a legend by colleagues and former students.

He taught algebra and mathematics for 52 years in the Harlan County school system and displayed a passion for his subject matter and work. His devotion to student success has been evident in before and after school tutoring sessions and his expectation that all of his students can be successful.

Dick was a successful coach early in his career and maintained a connection to Cumberland High School’s basketball program by keeping the scorebook in recent years.

Dick received his bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in math and business from Union College in 1956 and his master’s from Union in 1979.

Dick taught for six years at Benham High School before moving to Cumberland High School in 1961.