Tom Whisinnand is a proud member of the 1998 Norfolk Senior High graduating class. To show his appreciation he recently toured NHS and announced his intentions to give back in the form of a monetary donation to the new Education Career Academy.
On September 4, 2019, Whisinnand was presented with the first ever National University System-Sanford Teacher Award. The award was announced during a school assembly at Reagan Elementary School in Millard, Nebraska where Whisinnand teaches 4th grade. Whisinnand was recognized for exemplifying five characteristics of inspired teaching including: enthusiasm for teaching; empathy and warmth towards all students; fostering positive relationships with all students; creating a safe and inclusive learning environment; and recognizing student strengths. He was one of 51 teachers nationally who were recognized for the award but only Whisinnand was presented top recognition which came with a $50,000 cash prize.
Mr. Whisinnand’s generosity in donating part of his much earned and well deserved award to the Education Academy demonstrates his commitment to the community and high school where he is from, as well as the future of the teaching profession.
