Claes Nobel Educators of the Year

NSHSS is pleased to highlight our 2013 Claes Nobel Educators of the Year, presented to ten exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to preparing students for success in college and in life. These ten educators are among NSHSS’s student-nominated Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction program that recognizes educators who model best practices in teaching, are a positive influence for students and peers, and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in education, as well as community engagement. Since the inception of the Educators of Distinction program in 2004, NSHSS has recognized more than 38,000 educators worldwide. 

Mr. David Williams
Counselor, Valley View High School, Moreno Valley, CA

In addition to serving as a counselor at Valley View High School, Mr. Williams is also the founder and advisor of F.I.N.A.O., Failure Is Not An Option, a school-sponsored organization that unites students, parents, social workers, foster and group home parents, teachers, and administrators by creating a platform to better understand and assist at-risk underclassmen and foster and group home students. Mr. Williams also co-leads group sessions for parents and students involved in child custody disputes as a Cooperative Parenting Educator for the Solutions For Families Cooperative Parenting Program. He is also a three-time Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers Award recipient, an Advisor of the Year Award recipient, and a former Certified Employee of the Year. Mr. Williams graduated with honors from California State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and he has earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from ChapmanUniversity.

Mr. Williams believes that the ideal learning environment can only be attained if students, parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators operate on one accord with students’ well-being and success being the highest priority. He explains, “When we are cognizant that there are many factors affecting a student’s ability to learn, then all members of the educational team can work together to identify, address and ameliorate the issues which may be interfering with the educational process.” Mr. Williams strives to assist students in achieving both academic and emotional success as he realizes the solution to most educational battle lies within students’ home life and psychological health. 

Mr. Williams’ nominating student testifies to his positive influence, “I nominate Mr. Williams because if it was not for him encouraging me to do something with my life and further my education, I most likely would not have decided to go to a four-year university. Since I will be the first in my family to ever go to a university, I did not have anyone to help me with anything related to college. Mr. Williams was the first person that I had a conversation with about college. He has been the person who has helped and guided me throughout the entire process of choosing a school, a major, and other college-related issues. I am lucky to have him as my counselor because of the positive impact he has had on my life.”