News Releases from Region 07

EPA Announces Applications Due May 16, 2016, for Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., March 17, 2016) - Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.

Applications for the 2015-2016 PIAEE program are due May 16, 2016. This program recognizes outstanding K-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. Applicants will be evaluated based on five primary factors: innovation, achievement, service to the community and underserved populations, leadership, and integration of environmental education.

Last year, Dr. Michael Hotz, of Smithville, Mo., a 31-year veteran science educator at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, Kan., was among 27 PIAEE honorees nationwide. Hotz was the sole winner for 2014-2015 from EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations.

For more information, and details on how to apply for the PIAEE awards, visit the PIAEE website.