# EPA Environmental Award: Celebrating Educators

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/epa-environmental-award-celebrating-educators/
- Published: 2011-10-26T02:59:22-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## EPA Launches 2011 Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) kicked off the 2011 Presidential 
Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). This national program honors
outstanding K-12 teachers who inspire students to care about the planet through 
hands-on environmental education.

The EPA announced the award as part of its broader effort to support sustainability
in schools and encourage innovative teaching.

### Celebrating Teachers Who Lead by Example

Each year, the PIAEE recognizes up to two teachers per EPA region—one winner and
one honorable mention. These educators go beyond textbooks. They integrate real-
world environmental challenges into the classroom, from energy conservation and 
waste reduction to local conservation efforts and climate change.

![A flat-style emblem featuring a golden eagle inside a dark blue circle, framed
by green laurel branches, with “PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION AWARD” above and “for ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATORS” below.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/
10/33F88FF4-AA32-4642-8DA9-9C905DF9FA36.png?resize=736%2C736&quality=50&ssl=1)

The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators honors outstanding
K-12 teachers who lead hands-on sustainability projects.

The goal is to showcase teachers who empower students to act, solve problems, and
build healthier communities.

### Award Includes Grant for Green Learning

Winners receive $2,000 to fund environmental projects and classroom activities. 
Schools also receive $2,000 to support related [sustainability programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/master-of-science-in-sustainability-management-from-columbia-university/).
The EPA also encourages applicants to share how they incorporate environmental stewardship
into lesson plans. In addition, science experiments, field trips, and community 
outreach.

Even better, the award isn’t just for science teachers. It’s open to educators from
any discipline who link core subjects with environmental action.

### A Broader Push for Sustainability in Schools

The EPA’s award program works in tandem with other federal efforts like the Green
Ribbon Schools Initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Education. Together,
these programs aim to bring sustainability into every part of the school system—
from cafeteria composting to solar panel installations.

As students face the realities of climate change, pollution, and resource depletion,
environmental education becomes more urgent than ever. The PIAEE helps spotlight
the educators leading that charge.

### Building the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders

By recognizing and funding innovative educators, the EPA also hopes to inspire more
teachers to make sustainability a classroom priority. When students learn how their
choices impact the earth. So they can become more engaged, more informed, and more
prepared to lead.

In addition, the 2011 awards represent a step toward building a greener future. 
That’s most importantly one classroom at a time.

For more information on eligibility requirements and selection criteria or to submit
an online application, please visit [http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward](http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward).
The application deadline is December 30, 2011.

Source: [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov/)