ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Each year, four outstanding classroom and community educators are recognized for their unique and invaluable contributions to the field of Environmental Education.

Nominations are currently closed. Check back in Spring 2022! Until then, check out our 2021 awardees below.

ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Teachers working in public or private schools.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR - 2021

SUSAN WOLFE

ELEMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Susan educates her students about all aspects of the natural world, including the social and economic perspectives that are at the root of many of the ecological problems we have today. Her students not only learn about how the local environment is affected by humans, but gain a global perspective by interacting with explorers around the world (through the NatGeo Explorer Classroom), and studying about various cultures and their respective environments. She loves to get her students outside on field trips, or just exploring Hawthorne’s native garden, which she helped plan and create. Her students create projects that involve an action component that are student led and inquiry based. She was recently named one of National Geographic's Grosvenor Fellows and will (hopefully) go on a scientific expedition sometime in the coming year. She is an explorer & conservationist at heart, and she inspires these qualities in her students and colleagues alike!

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

2020

Misha Smith Elementary

Ali Ward Secondary

Matt Podolsky Non-formal

Sandy Racine Volunteer

2019

Lauresta Welty Elementary

Melyssa Ferro Secondary

Stephanie Day Non-formal

Kimberly Semple Volunteer

2018

Debbie Bell Elementary

Steve Demers Secondary

Courtney Couch Non-formal

Jennifer Ellis Volunteer

2016

Amy Silver Elementary

Mary Engels Non-formal

Jane Matthews Volunteer

2015

Erin Stutzman Secondary

Tate Mason Non-formal

Denise Keyser Volunteer

Julie Scanlin Lifetime Achievement

2014

Sandy Kindt Elementary

John Schisel Secondary

Lori Adams Non-formal

Liana Litzsinger Volunteer

2013

Purley Decker Elementary

Arlene Wolf Secondary

Rena Ashton Non-formal

Ann Christensen Volunteer

2012

Sheryce Davis Elementary

John Hastings Secondary

Sara Focht Non-formal

2011

Cara Sonnemann Elementary

Clint Kennedy Secondary

Adare Evans Non-formal

2010

Sue Hansen Barber Elementary

Gina Lockwood Secondary

Michelle Youngquist Non-formal

2009

Dick Jordan Secondary

Dick McCloskey Non-formal

2008

Dan Hines Elementary

Gregg Losinski Non-formal

2007

Jane Thornes Elementary

Charlie Kator Secondary

Steven Hines Non-formal

2006

Christenia Coast Elementary

Carri Thomason Elementary

Diane Welch Elementary

Amy Luft Non-formal

2005

Molly Pannkuk Elementary

K.C. Jones Secondary

Alana Jensen Non-formal

2004

Renee McNally Elementary

Robert Beckwith Secondary

Greg Kaltenecker Non-formal

2003

Donna Kent Elementary

Doreen Beck Elementary

Jan Wathen Elementary

Darin Zarbnisky Secondary

Denise Burnett Non-formal

2002

Teri Burch Elementary

Kris Ablin-Stone Secondary