Gordon named an “Educator of Distinction”

Photo: Career Tech Center-West instructor Teri Gordon with Southaven graduate Kelis Malone, who nominated her for a NSHSS Educator of Distinction honor. (DeSoto County Schools eNews on Facebook)  

Teri Gordon is an instructor at Career Tech Center-West in Horn Lake. Gordon teaches Digital Media Technology at the school and has been an instructor for more than 10 years, having started in 2010. Gordon is also a freelance graphic artist. 

Kelis Malone is a Southaven High School graduate who was one of Gordon’s students at Career Tech-West. Malone thought so much of Gordon’s instruction she nominated Gordon for a national award, which Gordon has received from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

Gordon was announced as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, nominated by Malone for “outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession.”

Malone is a member of NSHSS and student members of the organization are able to nominate an educator who made the most significant contribution to their academic career. The award is named for Claes Nobel, a founder of the NSHSS and senior member of the family that started the Nobel Prizes. 

Since its inception in 2007, more than 75,000 educators have been recognized worldwide. 

Educators of Distinction are recognized with a personalized certificate presented in honor of Claes Nobel. Educators of Distinction are also eligible to compete for NSHSS educator grants.

“Dedicated educators who exhibit a commitment to excellence deserve our highest praise and appreciation,” said NSHSS President James W. Lewis in a news release. “Through our Educators of Distinction program and the grants we provide to support professional development and enrich classroom instruction, we hope to acknowledge and encourage the vital work of the teachers, counselors and administrators who are shaping the intellect and character of our young scholars.”