Educator benefits

NSHSS isn’t just for high school scholars. Educators like you are crucial to the success of our young scholars. NSHSS salutes the achievements of outstanding educators who have helped students reach their potential. In addition to nominating exceptional students, teachers and other educators have the opportunity to apply for grants, attend educational events, and earn recognition for their contributions to today’s youth. Join over 75,000 other educators in becoming a recognized NSHSS Educator today!

Contact Educator@nshss.org with any questions.

Grants

Apply for one of the many NSHSS grant opportunities to help defray the costs of educational conferences, supplies, field trips, and more.

Educator of Distinction

NSHSS allows high school members to nominate Educators of Distinction who have made significant contributions to their academic journey.

Nominate your students

Recognize and reward your best high school students by nominating them for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars.

Recognizing young scholars

Students who join NSHSS are members for life. A one-time membership fee grants them access to benefits in high school, college, and beyond, including leadership programs, networking opportunities, exclusive events and partner discounts, and scholarship opportunities. There are no fees to apply for scholarships.

Nominate a student

Register

Here's what our educators say about NSHSS

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Teresa Billingsley
Colbert Heights High School

"I was so excited when I opened the email and saw the word “Congratulations!” Receiving the 2026 NSHSS Career & Technical Education (CTE) Grant is a very special accomplishment for me. This is the first grant I have ever applied for and received, which makes this opportunity especially meaningful. I am honored to be part of the inaugural group of recipients for NSHSS’s CTE Grant. Thank you, NSHSS, for believing in my vision and investing in educators and students. This grant will allow me to provide my students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business. I am grateful to be an NSHSS educator and appreciate that NSHSS reached out to me and invited me to become part of such an amazing organization. The opportunity to present a workshop during the 2026 NSHSS Scholar’s Day was another rewarding experience that allowed me to share my knowledge and connect with students and fellow educators. One of the highlights of my NSHSS experience has been meeting the amazing staff. Everyone I have met has been welcoming, accommodating, helpful, and supportive. Their kindness and genuine commitment to educators and students have made my experience with NSHSS even more meaningful. To my fellow educators, I encourage you to join NSHSS and apply for the educator grants. Do not be afraid to take that first step. This experience has shown me that putting yourself and your ideas forward can open doors and create new opportunities for your students. Thank you, NSHSS, for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to put this grant to work and create opportunities for my students to learn, lead, create, and succeed. When we invest in educators, we invest in students—and when we invest in students, we invest in the future."

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Robert Kaufman
Pace Academy

"Thank you so much for this generous grant, which affirms the time and heart I invest in striving to make my classes meaningful."

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Tia Green
Dutch Fork High School

"Receiving the NSHSS grant is truly appreciated and meaningful. This support allows us to better serve our students by expanding access to leadership, academic, and career-readiness opportunities. I am grateful to NSHSS for investing in educators and students and for recognizing the impact of this work on the next generation."

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Khandi Cooper
Carolina Adventist Junior Academy

"NSHSS provides numerous opportunities for students and educators to receive the resources they need to implement innovative teaching in their classroom."

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Dr. Valerie Paredes
Harlingen Collegiate High School

"I am truly honored to be awarded the NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award. This recognition represents more than a personal achievement; it affirms the importance of student wellness, social-emotional learning, and the role educators play in creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. This opportunity would allow me to continue expanding meaningful counseling and wellness initiatives, including mindfulness-based supports that complement students’ academic journeys. In a rigorous early college environment, students need more than academic preparation; they need tools to manage stress, build resilience, and strengthen emotional intelligence. Every initiative is rooted in the belief that when students are supported emotionally and mentally, they are better prepared to thrive academically, personally, and beyond the classroom. The NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award would support continued professional training, including participation in professional development conferences, and provide additional tools to help me remain an effective, innovative, and responsive school counselor. This opportunity would allow me to further contribute to the field through student-centered programming, evidence-based practices, and continued advocacy for mental health in schools. Thank you for recognizing the work of educators who believe that student success begins with connection, wellness, and hope."

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Dr. Clara Thompson
Westfield High School

"I am truly grateful for the support and opportunities provided by NSHSS. As an educator and counselor, NSHSS has allowed me to serve students while demonstrating my passion for excellence and achievement. NSHSS has been instrumental in fostering a culture of academic excellence and personal growth among students, empowering them to reach their full potential and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The organization's dedication to recognizing and supporting me is truly commendable, and I am honored to be a part of this organization. Receiving the grant from NSHSS has been a tremendous honor and a testament to the organization's commitment to supporting educators. This grant not only provides financial support but also serves as a reaffirmation of the importance of education and the value of investing in educators."

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Gloria Hunter
Legion Collegiate Academy

"Thank you so much for selecting me for the Higher Education Grant. Receiving this support from the National Society of High School Scholars is truly an honor, and I am incredibly grateful for this support to continue my education. As an educator, I am deeply committed to helping my students recognize their potential and pursue meaningful opportunities, and this grant allows me to continue growing both professionally and personally in that mission. NSHSS represents more than just recognition; it represents a community that values scholarship, leadership, and service from both students and educators. Being selected for this grant reaffirms the importance of the work educators do every day and inspires me to continue striving for excellence. To my fellow educators and students, I encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities that NSHSS has to offer. Dedication and hard work matter, and organizations like NSHSS are here to support your journey. Thank you again for this meaningful opportunity and for your continued commitment to empowering educators and students alike."

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Jennifer Whitaker
Educator

"I am so thankful to have been awarded the NSHSS Dual Enrollment Educator Grant. This grant will help pay for my teacher licensing program so that I can continue doing the work that I love."

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Casey Andrews
Watertown Public Schools

"Thank you so much for providing funds to support our second year of this important trip. We are very grateful."

Educator perks

Our educator discount list includes exclusive offers and deals from diverse brands to ensure that educators have access to valuable savings on tailored products and services. Access savings and discounts that empower educators. 

Educator pricing and discounts on Mac products are available to Educators.

30% off online and in-store and 15% off at factory outlets for Educators.

Offers eligible Educators of public schools, private schools, colleges and universities $500 on select Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles. 

Educators pay only $1 every four weeks for one year.

Educators of the year

Meet our Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award recipients, recognized for their work helping students build on academic success and grow the skills and desire to have a positive impact in the global community.

Dr. Valerie Paredes

2026 Educator of the Year

Harlingen Collegiate High School, Harlingen, TX

Kimberly Hackett

2025 Educator of the Year: 

Triton High School, Fayetteville, NC

Vanessa Radice

2024 Educator of the Year

Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School, Hialeah, FL

Jose Rivas

2022 Educator of the Year

Lennox Mathematics, Science, and Technology Academy, Lennox, CA

Kate Margrave

2021 Educator of the Year

Pine Creek Highschool, Colorado Springs, CO

Dr. Chikezie Madu

2020 Educator of the year

White Station High School, Memphis, TN

Sofia Gonzalez

2019 Educator of the Year

Morton East High School, Cicero, IL

Christine Fryer

2018 Educator of the Year

MLK- Educational Campus High School

Joyce Kim

2017 Educator of the Year

Prospect High School, Mount Prospect, IL