Deadline: February 1, 2021

Judging Guidelines

Required Materials to have when you apply

• Teacher's philosophy
• Unit description
• Letter of recommendation from colleague
• Letter of recommendation from administrator

Award Requirement

• Three years full-time teaching experience and currently teaches at a U.S. K-12 school
• One unit per year on natural resources
• Unit fits definition of natural resources

Content Guidelines

• Teacher's philosophy should include any of the following:
  • scientific study of resources
  • origin
  • discovery
  • extraction
  • historic use and present use
  • conservation
  • preservation of the environment
  • use of earth science knowledge in informed decision making
• Unit will be evaluated on:
  • petroleum and industry concepts
  • creativity of presentation
  • balanced treatment of information regarding societal need and environmental issues
  • clarity and accuracy of expression
  • overall excellence in teaching
• Brief summary of how the school will use the award.

Additional Comments

• Teachers who include subjects relevant to energy resource development will receive special consideration.
• In concert with the 1996 National Science Education Standards, a teacher’s use of the inquiry approach in teaching will be given extra consideration.
• The Teacher of the Year Committee is currently led by Laura Zahm.
• The application should consist of material taught during the academic year ending the previous Spring or Summer semester.