Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award Grant

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) awards are given for "exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level." Any teacher or other K-12 educator who covers a significant amount of earth science content with their students is eligible. Eight national finalists are selected, one from each NAGT regional section. Some sections also recognize state/province winners. Individuals may apply themselves or nominate a colleague for the award.
The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Awards program was adopted by NAGT in 1971. Devised to honor pre-college teachers of earth science, the program has the following specific objectives:

• Identify excellence in teaching
• Appropriately recognize and reward excellence in teaching
• Stimulate higher levels of teaching performance
• Establish NAGT as a strong support organization for pre-college education, and
• Via active statewide and sectional programs, build a solid state, regional, and national liaison with administrators of pre-college earth science education.

Eligibility

To ensure broad recognition of excellence in Earth Science teaching, the OEST award may be granted to an individual no more than twice in their career (e.g., once in early career and once in late career). This approach allows us to honor outstanding educators while also providing opportunities for new recipients to be recognized for their contributions.