WASHINGTON U.S. Environmental Protection…
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, speaking at the North American
Association for Environmental Education’s 40th Annual
Conference yesterday, announced the 2011 Presidential Innovation
Award for Environmental Educators Program. The program, which will
be implemented through a partnership between the White House
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and EPA, recognizes
outstanding K-12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to
environmental education and use the environment as a context for
learning for their students.
“Because the environment affects every
part of our lives, environmental education should be part of
everything we do and teach,” EPA Deputy Administrator Bob
Perciasepe said. “This awards program will highlight and
encourage innovative ways to better integrate environmental issues
into our young people’s everyday learning experiences --
helping to turn environmental education into environmental
action.”
“Our bright and enthusiastic students are
America’s future problem-solvers, environmental stewards, and
economic innovators,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White
House Council on Environmental Quality. “This award will
support American schools and teachers that are doing an outstanding
job of empowering students to build a clean, healthy and prosperous
future for our country.”
“The Presidential Innovation Award Program
for Environmental Educators reinforces what we’re doing at
the U.S. Department of Education through our recently launched
Green Ribbon Schools program,” said Deputy Secretary of
Education Tony Miller. “We need to reward and recognize
teachers who are focusing on the environment, reinforcing
scientific knowledge, developing critical thinking skills, and
preparing students to participate in the green
economy.”
Two teachers from each EPA region will be
selected to receive the award. Recipients will receive a
commemorative plaque and an award of $2000, to be used to further
their professional development in environmental education.
Additionally, the local education agency employing each teacher
will receive an award of $2000 to further the recipient’s
environmental educational activities and programs. EPA and CEQ will
announce the inaugural award winners in the spring of
2012.
For more information on eligibility requirements
and selection criteria or to submit an online application, please
visit www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward. The application deadline
is December 30, 2011.