MADISON – The National Society of High School Scholars or NSHSS has named Tammy Simons for the honor of Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction.

Simons teaches physics and advanced-placement physics at James Clemens High School.

The award is named for Claes Nobel, the senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prize.

NSHSS allows high school students to nominate a teacher, counselor or administrator for Educator of Distinction to acknowledge his or her significant contributions. These educators have instilled an impression in academics and in all endeavors for students.

In continual searching, NSHSS identifies new ways to provide lifetime learning and growth opportunities for academically talented and accomplished students, along with educators who support them.

“Dedicated educators who exhibit a commitment to excellence deserve our highest praise and appreciation,” NSHSS President James W. Lewis said.

Lewis and Claes Nobel founded NSHSS in 2002. Currently, NSHSS has 1,700,000 members in more than 170 countries.

Individuals can nominate a favorite educator who was inspirational for Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction. Email Educator@nshss.org or visit nshss.org/educators/educators-of-distinction.

An Atlanta native, Tammy marched in high school and college bands and joined the Atlanta Olympic Band, in which she performed at the 1996 Olympics. Tammy met her husband in band at Georgia Tech.

From 1995 to 2001, she taught astronomy and tutored physics and math at Georgia State University in Atlanta. In 1999, she studied stellar astrophysics at Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

From 2001 to 2013, Tammy taught in Charlotte and Greensboro, N.C. and at High Point University. During summers, she developed teachers’ lessons at NASA’s educator institute. For International Baccalaureate Programme, Tammy graded physics reports from around the world.

Madison residents since 2013, the Simonses have one son, one daughter and two cats. In 2016, Tammy started scoring AP Physics with College Board. She is President of the state chapter of American Association of Physics Teachers.

“I’m excited to be part of the Jet Family at James Clemens, where I have helped coach Color Guard and Winter Guard and work with the Chess Team,” Tammy said. She also sponsored Astronomy Club, Science National Honor Society, Beta Club and Interact.

Away from teaching, Tammy enjoys reading, going to movies, soccer and attending football games.