ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Each year, outstanding classroom and community educators are recognized for their unique and invaluable contributions to the field of Environmental Education.
Nominations for 2022 are now closed. Winners will be announced at the Project Green Teacher Summit in June.
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
Jennie Rylee Non-formal