MVHS Teacher Named Educator of Distinction

Earl Armstrong, an educator at Mountain View High School, was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). A role model for students, Mr. Armstrong was nominated by a student for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession. 

Mr. Armstrong’s student nominee, Nick, shared this:

“Mr. Armstrong is a math teacher at Mountain View High School and I had him my freshman year. I was going through a hard time in the first semester and even though I had missed a week of school, he still helped me with what I needed and when I needed it. He acknowledged the fact that sometimes it took me a little longer to wrap my head around certain topics we were learning and he helped me personally until I could understand it, wording it in different ways no matter how hard it was to find a different way. He is funny but still gets things done. He’s extremely kind and understanding, which is a vital trait every teacher should have. Last year, I was walking by his class, which I no longer had, and he stopped me to ask how I was doing. I wasn’t doing good but I didn’t tell him that, I just smiled and nodded while saying I was fine. He looked at me for a second and said, “You’ll be okay, kiddo. You’re gonna be okay. You’re doing great.” I nearly started crying because, out of everyone that knew me, he was the only one that saw I wasn’t doing good when I said I was. And now, anytime I am stressed out or sad or mad or any negative emotion, I think about what he said and it genuinely helps. Mr. Armstrong is more than just a teacher to me. He’s like a supporter, someone that sees my worth. He has no idea how much he’s helped me but I want him to know somehow. I want his kindness and support to be acknowledged like he acknowledged me.”

Each year student members of NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the laes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. The honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire their students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders, and citizens.

The Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction program is named for NSHSS co-founder, Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.  Mr. Nobel strongly believed that educators play a pivotal—and under-acknowledged—role in preparing students for success in school and in life. In that spirit, the Educator of Distinction program honors and rewards exemplary teachers, counselors and administrators.

As an Educator of Distinction, Mr. Armstrong will be able to access special grant opportunities to attend professional conferences, pursue advanced degrees and compete for NSHSS Educator of the Year.

The NSHSS seeks to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks. From attending the annual Nobel Week festivities in Stockholm, to internships with major corporations and government agencies, pre-college summer study programs, and more than $2M in scholarships awarded annually, NSHSS is continually seeking new ways to provide learning and growth opportunities for academically talented and accomplished student leaders, and the educators who support them.