KEEP – Energy Educator of the Year

Energy Educator of the year

KEEP is proud to highlight the outstanding network of educators across the state of Wisconsin, empowering students, teachers, and community members to make informed energy choices now and for a sustainable future! Awardees will be selected Energy Educator of the Year and will receive $1,000 (payable to their school or organization) to be applied to further their energy education efforts and be honored at the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education’s Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Do you know an educator who champions energy education and efficiency efforts in your K-12 community?

We encourage you to collaborate with a team familiar with the nominee’s efforts to complete the nomination as follows:

1. Complete the online nomination form linked below.
2. Submit two letters of support.

Nomination Form

Nominations must be submitted and complete by October 25, 2024.

2023 ENERGY EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

Join KEEP in congratulating the 2023 Energy Educators of the Year! Find inspiration from their accomplishments and dedication to energy education in their communities.

More About the Energy Educator of the Year

Award Program Overview

The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) annually sponsors the Energy Educator of the Year Award. The annual nomination process and announcement of winners help to increase the visibility of the network of outstanding educators across the state of Wisconsin, empowering students, teachers, and community members to make wise energy choices.

Program Rationale

This award serves to recognize and reward exemplary energy educators in the state of Wisconsin. By highlighting individuals who have made energy education a priority in their teaching and outreach initiatives, this program helps to demonstrate the importance of energy education by increasing the energy literacy of Wisconsin citizens and improving the quality of life in Wisconsin toward more sustainable human and natural communities. As leaders, these formal and non-formal educators serve as role models helping learners gain the knowledge and skills needed to analyze and resolve energy issues and ultimately adopt energy-saving attitudes and behaviors.

Eligibility

Nominees must be current Wisconsin residents who demonstrate a strong commitment to helping members of their community understand energy concepts and management practices through leadership or the development of energy education programs, projects, and/or initiatives. We are looking for individuals whose use of creative educational strategies and resources raises energy awareness, understanding, and action among their communities. Self-nominations are also welcome.

Past recipients have included Wisconsin K-12 classroom teachers, school and community volunteers, higher education and technical college instructors, gas and electric utility professionals, engineers and architects, energy and facilities management experts, and directors and staff of non-profit energy-focused organizations. Preference is given to educators impacting K-12 schools, teachers, and students in measurable ways.

Past Recipients of the Energy Educator of the Year Award

Selection Criteria

• Professional Development (leadership, teaching courses, participating in trainings or workshops, etc.)
• Curriculum and Resources (developing curriculum, creating teaching aids, using resources effectively, etc.)
• Networking and Outreach (presentations, organizing conferences and events, creating websites, etc.)
• Student Involvement (leading clubs and after-school projects, service learning, career development, etc.)
• Other activities or notable accomplishments that do not fall within the preceding categories (e.g., fundraising, community service, program design or direction, etc.)

Announcement of Recipients

In April, nominations will be reviewed by an Awards Selection Committee, typically composed of teachers/instructors, outreach specialists, and industry professionals. Two awardees will be selected, with preference given to educators impacting K-12 schools, teachers, and students. Award recipients will be notified by email no later than the end of the first week of June.

Award Recognition and Reward

Each Energy Educator of the Year Award recipient will receive $1,000 (payable to their school or organization) to be applied to further their energy education efforts and be honored at the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education’s Celebration of Excellence Awards Banquet, typically held in November. Acknowledgment of the award will be shared through the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education’s (and its programs’) websites, social media, and printed materials.

Some Past Recipients: (view recipients from 2009-present here)