Each year for the past 23 years, Project Learning Tree (PLT) has presented awards to 5 Outstanding Educators and to many other honorees. Along the way, PLT has recognized classroom teachers, university professors, nature center directors, and agency staff from all across the country for exhibiting excellence in the delivery of environmental education and teaching “how to think and not what to think about complex environmental issues.”

These educators represent a constant commitment to the future of our children and of the planet. They cement partnerships, plan and deliver 1st class training, and locate funding. They reach out to children, educators, and the community and make critical contributions for the success of environmental education.

This year’s distinguished outstanding educators are all passionate, exemplify best practices and understand the importance of student engagement and hands-on learning. They are (Pictured above from left to right with PLT Senior VP Kathy McGlauflin) Jana Willis, Ph.D. (Professor and Department Chair College of Education, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX), Lori Nicholson (Instructional Systems Specialist, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, St. Marks, FL) Debbie Fluegel (Field Coordinator & Program Manager, Trees Forever, Tremont, IL), Tarneshia Evans (Children’s Garden Educator, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, Richmond, VA), Steve Scharosch, Forest Biometrician, Abacus Enterprises, Inc., Alcova, WY) Please join PLT in commending them for advancing enviromental education and lteracy. 

https://www.plt.org/news/five-educators-named-2017-national-project-lear...

By James Riley McGirt

Manager of PLT GreenSchools Program &

Co-Moderator NAAEE eePro Green Schools