Dean Of Chesco Pickering Campus Earns Worldwide Distinction

PHOENIXVILLE, PA —Mark Cottom, dean of students at the Technical College High School Pickering Campus, won the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award, a worldwide honor for excellence in education.

The National Society of High School Scholars sponsors the award in which a student nominates a teacher who has made a difference in their lives.

The school provides technical education for students in 10th through 12th grades in all 12 of Chester County’s public school districts. It is operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

Cottom was nominated for the award by student Nigel Cook, who described Cottom as a role model and mentor.
“I'm not sure how he does it, but he checks in to make sure each student is doing well,” Cook said. “He's also very athletic so I'm always challenging him to arm-wrestle, and he always wins.

“I’m happy that Mr. Cottom was selected because he deserves it. A military officer, law enforcement officer, teacher, dean of students and now honored as a real champion.”

Cottom said he was caught off guard when he learned he received the honor.

“Being responsible for the discipline of students is a position with little recognition, so you can understand my surprise when I found out that a student took the time to recognize and thank me for what I do,” Cottom said. “It goes to show that no matter what your position is in education, you really can make a difference.”

Cottom said he is honored to be dean of students at TCHS Pickering.

“This position affords me the opportunity to positively influence every student in the building,” he said.

As an Educator of Distinction, Cottom can apply for grants to attend professional conferences, pursue advanced degrees and enhance the delivery of classroom instruction.

He is also eligible to apply for the Claes Nobel Educator of the Year award, which provides $5,000 to one educator and $1,000 to nine other recipients.