The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
Engaging youth to learn about nature and the environment is important. Positive solutions to achieve a sustainable planet begin in the classroom with teachers...who are true leaders in education." --Richard C. Bartlett
Introduction
Environmental education programs succeed when teachers are passionate, creative and able to connect with their students and inspire their peers. We want to support such teachers and multiply their efforts nationwide.
The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is awarded annually to an outstanding educator who has successfully integrated environmental education into his or her daily education programs. The award is given to an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others. A $5,000 cash award is provided for the recipient to continue their work in environmental education.
The Richard C. Bartlett Award honors teachers that are bringing environmental education into the curriculum and the community, not just teaching about environmental challenges but also engaging students in the solution. Read about the 2009 winner, Bertha Vazquez.
Nomination Guidelines
The nomination form, which includes six brief essay questions, must be completed online. In addition, at least three letters of support (one from a school administrator, one from a fellow teacher, and one from a student) must be submitted to NEEF by mail, email, or fax.
Judging will take place from February-March by a panel of judges from the environmental education field. The winner will be honored during National Environmental Education Week, April 12-18, and will travel to Washington, D.C. at the end of the month to receive their $5,000 prize.
All Letters of Support must include the following:
- The reference’s relationship to the nominee;
- The reference’s familiarity with the teacher and the work for which he/she is being nominated;
- The reference’s perspective on why the nominee’s work is unique and innovative in the field of environmental education, and how the nominee might inspire others to teach environmental education;
- The reference’s signature.
Letters of support may be sent by mail, email, or fax:
National Environmental Education Foundation
Richard C. Bartlett Award
4301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 160
Washington, DC 20008
Email: bartlettaward@neefusa.org
Fax: (202) 261-6464
More about Richard C. Bartlett
The Richard C. Bartlett Award was established in 2007 by the National Environmental Education Foundation to distinguish the teachers who best represent Richard C. Bartlett’s passion for and leadership in environmental education. For more than 40 years, Richard C. Bartlett has been inspiring environmental educators nationwide. For more information on Mr. Bartlett, read his biography.
Also, to learn about our newest program designed to enhance and strengthen environmental education in high school classrooms nationwide visit the Classroom Earth website.
Definition of Environmental Education
Environmental education refers to organized efforts to teach about how natural environments function and, particularly, how human beings can manage their behavior and ecosystems in order to live sustainably.
Eligibility/Criteria
- 5-12th grade teachers in the United States are eligible for this award. Teachers must currently be serving at a public or private school.
- Nominations are welcome from anyone involved with the nominee's teaching efforts (parents, administrators, fellow teachers, students, etc.). Self-nominations will be accepted.
- Nominated teachers must have at least five years teaching experience.