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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Margot McDermott
Axtell ISD (Axtell High School)

"Receiving the NSHSS CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) GRANT 2026 from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) is an incredible honor and a powerful catalyst for my classroom. After more than two decades as a laboratory leader and senior scientist—working on everything from manufacturing vaccines to optimizing laboratory systems—my passion is giving my CTE students a true, hands-on understanding of what it means to work in modern-day labs. This generous Grant directly helps me bring real-world laboratory precision into our Career and Technical Education curriculum. Through targeted training, we prepare students to master essential tools like microscopes and techniques such as streaking petri dishes. At the same time, we emphasize the critical importance of medical ethics, regulatory compliance, and data integrity. This balanced approach effectively bridges the gap between academic theory and laboratory practice. Thank you, NSHSS, for investing in educators and empowering the next generation of scholars to achieve greatness, build career readiness, and make a lasting scientific impact on the world."

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Tyler Dufrene
Hahnville High School, Racelance, LA

"Words cannot express how honored and grateful I am to be selected for this prestigious award. As a passionate educator, I pour my heart and soul into every lesson I deliver. It is a true blessing to be recognized for my unwavering devotion to students and their success. I offer my heartfelt appreciation to the Scholarship & Grants committee for their time in reviewing my application and decision to invest in me and my development as a distinguished educator."

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Amanda Nguma
Majengo High School

"Receiving the NSHSS Club Grant is both an honor and a powerful affirmation of the work we are doing at Majengo High School. As a teacher and counselor, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges students face academic pressure, emotional struggles, and social barriers. Through the Peer Support & Counseling Club, we strive to create a safe space where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to support one another. This grant is more than financial support, it is an investment in young people who are learning to lead with empathy, resilience and compassion. It will enable us to strengthen peer mentorship, expand mental health awareness and actively address bullying within our school community. To fellow educators, I encourage you to believe in the power of student-led initiatives. Even with limited resources, small efforts can create meaningful change. And to students, remember that your voice matters you have the ability to uplift others and shape a more inclusive and supportive environment. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for recognizing our work and for supporting educators and students who are committed to making a difference. This opportunity motivates us to continue building a generation of confident, caring and socially responsible young leaders."

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Gretchen Rhodes
Chicago Academy High School

'Thank you for this opportunity to use the grant funds to continue the pursuit of my EdD in Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership. This degree is deepening my understanding of myself as an educator and how I can directly impact change in the communities I serve."

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Gina Burdeshaw
Dothan Tech

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is truly an honor and a meaningful reminder of why I chose to step into education. My journey into the classroom came after many years in the professional world, and I’ve learned that success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about believing in your ability to grow, take risks, and pursue opportunities. Every day, I strive to create an environment where my students feel valued, capable, and prepared for whatever path they choose. This recognition not only affirms the work happening in my classroom, but it also fuels my passion to continue pouring into my students and helping them see their potential. I am incredibly grateful to NSHSS for investing in educators and for inspiring the next generation to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams."

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Shanna Smith
Dekalb Christian Home Educators

"Our Art Club is incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the NSHSS Club Cash Grant. This grant has been instrumental in allowing us to kick off our year with an exciting and ambitious creative project. To start, we are working on a collaborative short film, where our students will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of the filmmaking process, from writing the script to producing, acting, filming, editing, and even composing the soundtrack. This project allows our members to dive into the world of visual storytelling and explore their creativity in ways that build confidence and hone new skills. Following the short film, our students will channel their artistic talents into creating either a graphic novel or a short story, giving them the freedom to express their individual artistic voice while collaborating with their peers. Throughout the remainder of the year, students will continue to explore various fine art mediums, expanding their understanding and appreciation of different techniques and styles. Thanks to the NSHSS Club Cash Grant, we have the resources to offer a dynamic and enriching program that fosters both artistic growth and community collaboration. Thank you, NSHSS, for empowering our students to engage in these unique opportunities and to deepen their passion for the arts!"

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Mandy Sutton
Crawford County High School

"I chose to be a part of NSHSS after I was invited by one of my students because I wanted to live what I say. I always tell my students to go after every opportunity given to them because you may never know how it will turn out. Being a member of NSHSS has provided me with the opportunity to return to school to enhance my education so I can better serve my students."

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Brandy Rood
Humble High School

"I am beyond grateful to NSHSS for awarding me the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion grant. This grant is an incredible support for my Theatre program and will make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. Thank you NSHSS for your commitment to arts education and for believing in the power of theatre to transform lives. I can't wait to put this grant to work at the Texas Thespian festival and I look forward to sharing the results of your investment with our community."

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Kenneth Theodos
Winston Churchill High School

"It's great to be part of NSHSS and their efforts to support students and educators across the globe!"

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