The Claes Nobel Educator of the Year award is the organization’s tribute to the best of the best 10 educators from around the country committed to helping their students achieve their maximum potential for success in and out of the classroom. Mr. Kling is the only honoree from Georgia and he is joined by two teachers from California, one from Florida, two others from North Carolina, another two educators from Texas, one from Virginia, and one from Washington State. The 10 teachers are among NSHSS student-nominated Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction program. The program recognizes educators who model best-in-class practices in teaching, are a positive influence for students and peers, and who have demonstrated leadership and excellence in education. A Brookwood High graduate nominated Mr. Kling for the honor, a gesture that is no surprise to Brookwood High’s administration.
“Mr. Kling’s students love his class and love him. He connects with all of his students at a deep level as evidenced by him being named STAR teacher multiple times,” says Mr. Bo Ford, Brookwood High’s principal. “I have observed Mr. Kling in the classroom several times only to come away more impressed each time I visit his class. His compassion for teaching is clearly evident and the students are always highly engaged. As a multi-year STAR teacher, Mr. Kling is one of the most influential teachers I have ever been around and his positive influence for student improvement is heartwarming. Mr. Kling is an important part of our student community and he always puts the student first.”
Mr. Kling joined the school district and Brookwood High in 2003 after several years of teaching language arts in Arizona. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Duke University and a master’s degree in English Education from the University of Georgia. Brookwood High students have selected Mr. Kling for the STAR (Student and Teacher Achievement Recognition) honor on three different occasions, in 2008, 2011 and 2013.
