RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"I am deeply honored to receive this grant from NSHSS. This support not only validates the importance of our work in promoting mental health and well-being in schools but also empowers us to continue making a positive impact. Working with students, especially in areas like mindfulness, autism acceptance, and social skills development, has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with colleagues and providing training for staff and parents are crucial steps in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. I hope my journey inspires other educators and students to pursue their passions and strive for excellence. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community."

"Being in the education field, while rewarding, is also very challenging. I love working with children and families and this grant affords me the opportunity to excel in the field and tackle some of the most challenging situations. I am so grateful to receive this! Thank you so much to NSHSS for awarding me this grant! This is amazing!"

"I am incredibly grateful to the National Society of High School Scholars for extending this opportunity to our team. In the rural area where we are located, tournament opportunities are infrequent, which means that our annual travel expenses are quite high. Each year, I have students who qualify for the national tournament yet decline to attend because the cost is prohibitive for them. This grant will help make attendance at nationals possible for students who might not otherwise be able to go."

"I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the NSHSS Inclusion Grant and deeply grateful for the support it provides in fostering an inclusive learning environment for my students. As an educator, my mission is to create opportunities where all students, regardless of their abilities, feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This grant has allowed me to implement new strategies and resources that enhance engagement, accessibility, and learning experiences for my exceptional students. NSHSS’s commitment to recognizing educators who go above and beyond is truly inspiring. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of teachers but also reinforces the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. I hope my story encourages fellow educators and students to continue striving for excellence, embracing challenges, and making a meaningful impact in their communities. Thank you, NSHSS, for investing in the future of education and for empowering teachers like me to shape a world where every student has the opportunity to thrive."

"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 can't wait to share this wonderful news with the amazing student leaders of our school's Model United Nations (MUN)! This NSHSS grant will enable our group to attend more conferences. My students are enthusiastic and driven. They are also not your typical MUN club. My students will be the first in their families to attend college. Often, our students are the only African American or Latinx students at the conferences we attend. I support MUN because it fosters diplomacy, and an understanding of international issues, and encourages young people to become global citizens. On a personal note, attending MUN conferences also gives my students the space to meet and interact with academically motivated young people, something of a precursor to the students they will encounter in college."

"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."

"This has been a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful for being able to get a grant. It reminds me of why I do what I do!"

"I am deeply thankful to the NSHSS for awarding me this grant to support the purchase of school supplies for my Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom. These supplies will play a crucial role in ensuring that every student has the tools they need to actively participate in lessons, regardless of their financial background. With your support, I will be able to provide resources that encourage hands-on learning and practical life skills development. Thank you for helping me create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive."