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

Merlandes Photo (1)
Merlande Desmangles
Paulding County School District

"A fellow teacher introduced me to NSHSS. She was awarded a $1000 grant from the organization and spoke with great admiration about her experience. Last school year I applied for a grant but was not successful. After reading about other candidates experience with NSHSS, I was encouraged to apply again this school year. I was excited to receive the email of me being a successful recipient of the grant. I am grateful of the honor. I will share my experience with other teachers and encourage them to also join the organization."

Professionalheadshot
Mariah Reinbold (Lloyd)
Rogers City High School

"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."

Headshot 2 Mls4j53
Karen Cook
Houston Career & Technology Center

"Thank you so much to NSHSS for the Educator Travel Grant! This grant will help provide an opportunity to gain knowledge from agricultural leaders pertaining to the agriculture industry and education that can be brought back to the classroom. This information will help students further their knowledge about agriculture and possibly inspire students to choose a career in the agriculture industry."

Benstrakaeducator_2022
Benjamin Straka
Stillwater Area High School, Houlton, WI

"Thank you for the opportunity for me to highlight my students and my career. Helping students find their passion and grow as individuals is made easier with the financial support offered through organizations like NSHSS. I appreciate the hard work and thoughtful process laid out by the Scholarship and Grants committee."

Untitled (650 X 650 Px) (5)
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."

Kaufman Robert 130144
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."

Melissarowe_2023
Melissa Rowe
Chattooga High School

"I love the networking opportunities. Being a member of NSHSS has impacted my ability to fund industry-level chemistry investigations to my students. Without NSHSS, these rigorous investigations into chemistry would not be possible."

IMG 39481
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."

IMG 20251123 WA0000
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."

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