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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Dr. Riya Nathrani
CNMI Public School System

"Receiving support from NSHSS is truly meaningful, not just for me, but for the students and educators I serve. This grant helps expand opportunities for students in the Northern Mariana Islands, where access to resources can be limited, and ensures they are better prepared for college, careers, and a rapidly changing world. Many of our students face geographic barriers, and this support helps bridge those gaps. I’m grateful for NSHSS’s commitment to uplifting educators and students who are working to make a difference in their communities. This support reminds us that our work matters and that investing in education has the power to transform lives."

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Shantaniqua Watkins
Hancock Central High School

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is a profound honor. It is incredibly validating to be part of an organization that so clearly values the hard work educators put in every day. This support doesn't just benefit me because it directly impacts my students by providing resources that would otherwise be out of reach. I am grateful to NSHSS for their commitment to excellence in education and for empowering teachers to dream bigger for their classrooms."

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Cecil Davis
DAVIS Learning Academy, Stone Mountain, GA

"The National Society of High School Scholars is an awesome organization which supports the scholarship of high school students with extracurricular activities. Notably, The National Society of High School Scholars also acknowledges the importance of athletic activities in developing talented youth with the Athletic Sponsor Grant. Grants provide tremendous support to programs, including athletic programs, by extending resources available to each student. My experience with NSHSS as an Educator has been rewarding in identifying high school scholars who are student-athletes."

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Lisa Balazs
Magic City Acceptance Academy, Hoover, AL

"I really appreciate being awarded this grant for my garden club! I have so many enthusiastic students who really love working in the garden this year - and our projects always cost money to complete! This money is really going to help set us up for successful winter gardening, as we are using it to construct cold frames for the exisiting beds!"

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Mariah Lloyd
Rogers City High School

"I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for the $1,000 STEAM Educator Grant. This award greatly boosts my efforts to foster a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among my students. Your recognition and support affirm the importance of our work in education and inspire me to continue pushing boundaries in STEAM learning. The grant will greatly enhance my ability to implement innovative projects and provide valuable resources for my classroom. I am excited to channel this funding into initiatives that will engage and inspire the next generation of innovators. Thank you for believing in my work's impact and investing in the future of education. Your generosity will make a significant difference in my students’ learning experiences. I look forward to sharing the positive outcomes and successes that arise from this grant. Once again, thank you for your support and for making this opportunity possible."

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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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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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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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Gigi Azam
Crockett Early College High School

"I am excited and thankful to NSHSS for selecting me for this grant award. NSHSS grants and awards are truly prestigious, and I look forward each year to not only participate in the writing and competition, but also nominating my students for NSHSS scholarships."

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