The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.

About the Award

• Teacher awardees will receive a Presidential award plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further the recipient's professional development in environmental education. Teacher awardees will also receive a congratulatory letter from a senior official from EPA and/or the White House.
• The teacher's local education agency will also receive an award of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs (and not for construction costs, general expenses, salaries, bonuses, or other administrative expenses).
• Honorable Mention recipients will receive certificates of recognition.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, teachers must meet the following eligibility requirements.

• Teach K-12 on a full-time basis in a public school that is operated by a local education agency,  including schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education;
• Hold a current teaching license from the state (or valid reciprocity from the state for a license from another state);
• Have a minimum of 5 years of K-12 teaching experience, including at least 3 years of teaching environmental education and/or an environment-based curriculum;
• Anticipate a classroom teaching assignment involving environmental education for the upcoming school year;
• Be a citizen of the United States, its territories or possessions, or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residency; and
• Has not been a recipient of this award in the past 5 years.