Cover of the 2008 Teacher of the Year nomination form

Update: The Marine & Aquatic Teacher of the Year will be on hiatus in 2009. See below for more information on the 2008 awards. Congratulations to 2008's winner, William Geppert of Cape Henlopen High School. Read more about him here >

Why? Delaware has many aquatic resources that are essential to the state’s environmental and economic well-being, as well as to the quality of life of its residents. This award is given in recognition of the importance of educating Delaware’s students about wetlands, watersheds, estuaries, and oceans.

Who? A Delaware 7th– through 12th– grade school teacher who demonstrates a strong commitment to marine and aquatic science education will be recognized by the Delaware Sea Grant College Program and the Office of the Governor.

What? The winning teacher will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to a science education conference and be announced in press releases issued by the University of Delaware. The winner also will be presented with a personalized award by the Governor of the State of Delaware, and will be invited to share project ideas and teaching techniques with an exhibit at Coast Day.

Where? The winner will attend his or her choice of the annual conference of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) or the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).

The University of Delaware’s Coast Day is held every year on the first Sunday in October at the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes. Coast Day drew over 13,000 visitors in 2007.

"It brought a lot of publicity to my school, the students that I have and the work they do. ... It was a career high and an honor for me to receive it." - Donald Ott, 2007 Winner

How? Teachers may be nominated by anyone who recognizes their passion for educating students about marine and aquatic resources. Self nominations are also accepted. An official nomination form must be submitted. Photocopies of the form are acceptable.

Selection will be based on the nominee’s creativity, innovation, quality, and impact on students. Specific impacts or outcomes that reflect on student learning should be described. The winning teacher will be selected by a committee with knowledge of state science education standards. The committee will include representatives from the Office of the Governor, University of Delaware, Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Teacher Center, and Delaware Teachers of Science.

When? Stay tuned for information on the 2010 nomination process ...