Teaching Excellence Award (TEA)

The Nebraska State College System recognizes the central importance of teaching to the mission of serving our students, communities, and Nebraska by providing high quality, accessible educational opportunities.

To recognize and foster excellence in teaching across all disciplines at all NSCS colleges, each year a faculty member within the college system is awarded the Teaching Excellence Award by the Board of Trustees. The award is given in recognition of superior teaching, innovative instructional practice, high educational standards, creation of productive learning environments, and the ability to inspire and motivate students. A faculty member who is held in the highest esteem by colleagues and students is nominated from each college and a single recipient is selected by the Board.

Past award recipients have had a record of outstanding teaching, a strong commitment to impacting student learning, fostering the academic success of students, and strong evidence for community service.

Quick Links for TEA Award

Counselor of the Year Award

The NSCS Counseling Excellence Award is an annual award created to honor counselors for exemplary service and commitment to students. Students at Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges have the opportunity to nominate high school counselors for the award.

Past Winners of the Counselor of the Year Award

  • 2022 – Loni Watson – Chadron High School 
  • 2021 – Rose Kenney – Milford Public Schools
  • 2020 – Jeff Horner – Homer High School 
  • 2019 – Ramona Huck – Hemingford High School
  • 2018 – Dan Koziol – Twin River High School
  • 2017 – Sharon Zoucha – Sutton Public Schools
  • 2016 – Chaunce Pedersen – Kimball High School
  • 2013 – Fran Hassler – Ponca High School
  • 2012 – Sara Barker – Falls City High School
  • 2010 - Mary Janata – West Point-Beemer High School
  • 2008-09 – David Goswick – Nebraska City High School
  • 2007 – Roger Doud – Grand Island Northwest High School
  • 2006 – Kathy Brzon – Thayer Central Community Public Schools
  • 2005 – Ed Altamore – Creighton Community High School