RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"Thank you, NSHSS, for helping to provide the tools needed to make my classroom a fun and effective place to learn and grow!"

"Receiving the NSHSS School Supplies Grant means so much to me, both personally and professionally. As a teacher, I often find myself wanting to do more for my students than my resources allow, so this support truly makes a difference in what I can provide in my classroom each day. My students are curious, hardworking, and full of potential, and this grant allows me to give them more opportunities to explore, question, and connect their learning to the real world—especially in STEM. It also reassures me that the work we do as educators is seen and valued, which is incredibly meaningful. To other educators, I would encourage you to keep pursuing opportunities like this. Even small additions to your classroom can have a big impact on your students. And to students, know that there are people who believe in you and want to invest in your future—keep pushing yourself and stay open to new possibilities. I am truly grateful to NSHSS for this opportunity and for supporting teachers in a way that directly impacts students. This grant will not only provide resources but also inspiration and motivation for my classroom."

"The importance of offering AP classes has been well documented-study after study reveals that students who are challenged with college level classes have more persistence, better study habits, and greater financial flexibility if they pass the rigorous exams. An AP course structured with a bedrock in the inquiry arc allows students to experience learning at a collegiate level long before they enroll in an undergraduate institution. However, it is the underlying impact that offering college level classes has on an entire school community, whether enrolled in AP classes or not, that makes advanced placement a necessity for any high school. I have been teaching AP World History for four years to mostly freshman students in the south side of Chicago. Preparing students for a high stakes exam was not the reason I got into teaching. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the importance of inquiry and student choice, which allows students to see themselves in the history of the world. When I first began this journey of teaching AP World it seemed impossible to get the majority of my students to pass the exam for college credit, and at the same time fall in love with history as I had long ago. My passion for learning stems from asking tough questions about the hard truths of world history, and then searching for my own answers with the research skills I learned from my professors or teachers. I also knew that passing an AP exam for many of my students is a game changer in a higher education system where costs have skyrocketed for families. With the grant from NSHSS I will be able to better serve the needs of my students by curating a robust research library and bypass frustrating paywalls of the elite research databases. Thank you NSHSS for providing that rigor for my students!"

"I have witnessed amazing collaborations and projects across the curriculum in my time here, and none of them would be possible without the use of the resources and materials I offer to students and staff. In these stressful and turbulent times, my Fab Lab is a haven to so many, who want to create amazing projects and express themselves creatively. It is a “no-judgement zone”, and a safe space in which all students feel comfortable being themselves and learning and growing in their own way as they travel down their individual paths in life. I provide solace and a chance for my patrons to search for and find new hobbies, and pursue their goals and dreams. I have helped several students who have started their own businesses make merchandise and promotional items to advertise and gain more clientele. I have provided teachers options to assess student learning by offering them unconventional methods to create and show their understanding and mastery of skills. I open my library to our feeder high schools’ Special Education departments in which students who do not qualify to take higher-level classes here in our Center for Advanced Studies to utilize these wonderful resources. I have worked one-on-one with several of these students to help them create projects with resources they normally would not have access to in their programs. The funds this grant would provide would allow me to buy so much to keep the Fab Lab functioning as a free resource for all who wish to utilize it."

"I am deeply grateful for the the NSHSS grant awarded to my class. This funding will make a significant impact, providing my students with enhanced learning opportunities and resources that will foster their growth and engagement. Your support empowers me to create a more dynamic and inspiring learning environment, and for that, I am truly thankful."

"NSHSS is incredible. They are at the forefront of supporting schools, students, and educators. Having a group that truly cares about equity and access for students to achieve is praiseworthy in a world where people don't always see the value in education."

"Receiving the NSHSS Educator Grant is both an honor and an encouragement. As a teacher, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is finding ways to give my students opportunities to experience science beyond the textbook and to see themselves as capable scientists, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. This grant will allow me to bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences into my classroom that may not otherwise be possible. At Cristo Rey Tampa High School, we believe that our students deserve access to the same high-quality academic opportunities as students anywhere, regardless of their circumstances. This support helps make that belief a reality. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for investing not only in educators, but in the students we serve. Your generosity reminds teachers that our work matters and that we are not alone in our efforts to create opportunities for the next generation. Thank you for believing in educators and for helping us inspire students to be curious, confident, and courageous enough to pursue their potential. I look forward to putting this grant to work in my classroom and sharing that opportunity with my students."

"I am deeply honored to have received this grant, which not only supports my students' artistic journey but also reinforces my commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative minds. Art has the unique power to inspire, heal, and connect us, and with this grant, I am excited to create new opportunities for my students to explore their voices and visions. To all the aspiring scholars and artists out there: your passion and dedication are the seeds of change. Keep pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and believing in the impact of your work. Together, we can transform our communities and the world through the beauty of art. Thank you for believing in the power of creativity!"

"I would like to sincerely thank the National Society of High School Scholars for providing grant support that enabled me to attend a cross‑border conference focused on molecular biology education. In an increasingly polarized global climate, opportunities for educators to collaborate across borders are not only valuable but essential. This experience allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives, deepen my professional practice, and bring innovative, research‑informed approaches back to my students. I am grateful to NSHSS for its commitment to supporting educators and scholars who are working to advance learning, build understanding, and make a meaningful impact in their communities."