Educator of the Year
Celebrating Outstanding Educators
Honoring Those Who Excel
The Alabama Project Learning Tree® Outstanding Educator of the Year Award recognizes and honors an educator who has excelled in environmental education while using Project Learning Tree® in their work.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Is Eligible?
Any educator working in Alabama who is trained in and using the Project Learning Tree® curriculum may be nominated. An educator may be a teacher, naturalist, youth leader, or anyone actively involved in the education of youth.
Individuals nominated for this award should meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrates commitment to environmental education
- Integrates Project Learning Tree® into his or her curriculum or work
- Uses Project Learning Tree® to make an impact on curriculum standards, proficiencies, or policies
- Encourages other teachers, schools, school districts, or agencies to incorporate Project Learning Tree® as part of their environmental education program
- Has personal qualities that exemplify an outstanding Project Learning Tree® educator, such as leadership, energy, enthusiasm, and involvement in special environmental projects.
Know a PLT Educator?
Make a Nomination
Nominations are welcomed by teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, students, and community members. Self-nominations are also welcome.
The form will be posted on this page when nominations are open. The nomination form includes the following:
- Nominee and nominator’s name and contact information
- A narrative describing the educator’s qualifications in meeting the criteria listed above, specific ways he or she has used or promoted the Project Learning Tree® curriculum, and any additional professional and community activities and accomplishments (250 words max.).
- Optional attachments: Supporting materials such as articles, photos, or other awards.
Recognizing Greatness
About the Awards
The awards include a plaque and recognition. The winner is recognized through Alabama Forestry Foundation’s website, social media, and magazine. The winner will be announced each year at the Partners in Conservation Awards Luncheon.
Award Recipients
- Lucy Cleaver, Springville High School (2026)
- Amanda Spurling, Fayetteville School (2025)
- Traci Bruce, Huntsville Botanical Garden (2024)
- Roosevelt Robinson, Alabama Cooperative Extension System / Alabama A&M University (2023)
- Collins Trott, Wallace Community College (2022)
- Monica Ousley, AMSTI, Alabama State Department of Education (2021)
- Traci Knight Ingleright, Gwin Elementary School* (2020)
- Ed Lewis, Westrock* (2019)
- Not awarded (2018)
- Doyle Keasal, 4H & Youth Development, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (2017)
- Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences* (2016)
*indicates National Project Learning Tree Leadership in Education Award winner
- Jenn Travis, Kreher Nature Preserve (2026)
- Shane Haws, AMSTI, Alabama State Department of Education (2025)
- The Westervelt Company (2026)
- Rayonier (2025)
- Manulife Investment Management Forest Management, Inc. (2023)
- Auburn University Montgomery (2019)
- West Fraser (2018)
- Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences (2017)
- WestRock (2016)
- Anne Rilling (2026)