Ask any highly accomplished adult, in any profession, to name an individual who played a pivotal role in their success and they will likely name an educator. The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) provides its high school members with the opportunity to acknowledge high school teachers, counselors or administrators who have made the most significant contribution to their academic career by nominating them as an Educator of Distinction.
Matthew Lijewski, the automotive instructor at Central High School, was nominated by his students for a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. Matt, a 1988 graduate of Harding High School, is in his 14th year of teaching with SPPS.
Matt said about his award:
I appreciate this award because a student took time out of his day to nominate me. It is nice to know that what I teach has a big impact on students' lives and the choices that they make after they leave Central. I am proud to teach a subject that provides a student with very valuable information/skills and may lead them into post-secondary education to become a professional automotive technician, which is a high demand/high-paying career.
The student that nominated me for the award got a job this summer working at a local automotive repair shop and loves it! He saved enough money over the summer to buy his first truck.
Matt working with a student in the tire lab.
Educators of Distinction are outstanding role models and exemplary practitioners who have made a lasting difference in a student's life by encouraging them to strive for excellence, not just in their academic pursuits, but in all their endeavors. Educators of Distinction are invited to attend the Society’s free member events around the country and are recognized with a personalized certificate presented in honor of NSHSS Founder Claes Nobel. Educators of Distinction are also eligible to compete for the NSHSS Educator of the Year award.
