Big River Teacher Award

Application Process

Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a Minnesota licensed K-12 classroom teacher

Must teach in a public, private, or parochial school

Must be a participant in any Mississippi National River and Recreation Area park program (field trip, online, workshop, etc.)

Must be able to demonstrate teaching that extends park programming as related to the Mississippi River in a K-12 setting

Application Type: Direct application award. The applicant applies for themselves, however others may complete the application for a nominee as long as the nominee is aware they are being nominated.

Required Essay Responses:

1. Extended Learning in Classroom
- Explain how you have extended the park's programming into your classroom
- Describe details about any extended lesson or classroom work you've developed
- Explain what made it innovative, creative, culturally responsive, or engaging for students

2. River Passion and Importance
- Provide information demonstrating your passion for the Mississippi River
- Explain how and why it continues to be an important topic for teachers to pass on to their students
- Address: Why teach about the Mississippi River?

Optional Documentation:

1. Lesson Plan (Recommended)
- A lesson plan related to the essay prompts
- Should show how you extended student learning from park experience
- Demonstrates skill in innovative, culturally responsive, or creative teaching practices related to the Mississippi River
- Acceptable formats: document, PDF, spreadsheet, slide deck, or video

2. Letter of Support (Recommended)
- One-page letter from a student, teaching colleague, principal, superintendent, parent, or other peer
- Should describe your success and impact on student learning
- Must cite specifics about your teaching, including academic development, program development, educational leadership, and professional growth

Contact for Questions:

Steven Walker, Program Specialist

Email: swalker@parkconnection.org