EWG Teacher Wins Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

EWG’s very own Ms. Millar recently received one of the most prestigious awards a science teacher can be granted.

Since 1990, each year, the Enviormental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the White House Council on Enviormental Quality (CEQ), bestows the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (the PIAEE) to, at most, 13 educators across the US. The goal of this award is to recognize teachers who go above and beyond to educate on the environment in order to bring about the next generation of environmental leaders. Teachers who win this award receive a Presidential award plaque, a congratulatory letter from the EPA or the White House, as well as $2,500 to put towards further environmental educational endeavors. Additionally, the teacher’s local educational agency will recieve $2,500 to put towards environmental educational programs as well.

Recipients for this award are determined through rankings based on an 100-point system in categories: innovation (25 points), achievement (15 points), service to the community and underserved populations (20 points), leadership (15 points), integration (10 points), sample teaching materials (10 points), and letters of support (5 points). The teachers are then ranked by a panel of judges, and finally sent for review by the EPA and CEQ.

“I am honored to receive this award as a representative of the EWG community. Working at EWG allows me the opportunity to explore a variety of environmental projects and work with great kids.”

Ms. Millar, EWG Biology, Animal Science, and Environmental Sustainability Teacher

Ms. Millar, EWG Biology, Animal Science, and Environmental Sustainability teacher, was one of this year’s nine PIAEE recipients. The EPA and CEQ’s winner announcement report highlighted Ms. Millar’s devotion to teaching through hands-on learning, and not simply memorization. The article also praised her for encouraging students to conserve the environment even when they’re not in class, through activities such as beach clean-ups.

Also highlighted in the report was Ms. Millar’s desire to continue conserving the environment, particularly through creating community programs, in order to eradicate invasive species. Ms. Millar commented on her award, “I am honored to receive this award as a representative of the EWG community. Working at EWG allows me the opportunity to explore a variety of environmental projects and work with great kids.” With all her already immense efforts towards conservation, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say we can expect even more great things from her, and her classes in the future. With all that being said, there is only one thing left to say: Congratulations!