Outstanding Teacher Award

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The NMEA Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes effective and innovative classroom teaching at any level. 

Eligibility: Nominees must be NMEA members in good standing and a certified formal classroom teacher.

Award Considerations: Nominee demonstrated innovation in introducing marine science into materials, classroom activities, and/or topics. Nominees will be assessed in the following areas:

  • Positive Classroom Environment

  • Creativity and/or Innovation in lessons

  • Integration of Marine Science with other subject areas

Past Recipients:
2025 Karycia Mitchell (BC)
2024 Katie Lodes (MO)
2023 None
2022 None
2021 Jennifer Cherry (FL)
2020 Earnie Olsen (FL)
2019 Julianne Mueller-Northcott (NH)
2018 Tom Greene (NY)
2017 Doug Vollmer (ME)
2016 Ryan Cilsick (FL)
2015 Bill Andrake (MA)
2014 Sherry Rollins (VA)
2013 None
2012 Miriam Sutton (NC)
2011 None
2010 Beth Jewell (VA)
2009 Charlene Mauro
2008 Martin Keeley (Cayman Islands)
2007 Mellie Lewis (MD)
2006 Margery Misenheimer (NC)
2005 Catherine Foote Silver (NH)
2004 Amy Holt Cline (NH)
2003 Patricia Cahill Williams (OR)
2002 Susan Wertz (WA)
2001 Padgett Kelly (TN)
2000 Mary Alice Cain (LA)
1999 Julie S. Cliff (SC)
1998 Debora Mosher (VA)
1997 Cindy Renkas (SC)
1996 Dana Mitchell (ME)
1995 Amy Quillen (DE)
1994 George “The Sandman” Duane (MA)
1993 Margaret Olsen (GA)
1992 Neal Maine (OR)
1991 Ron Nilsen (WA)
1990 Vincentina Cassaro (NJ)
1989 Jack Crowley (MA)
1988 Gene Williamson (OR)
1987 Otis William Lee (AL)
1986 Ann Coopersmith (HI), Michael Stevenson (CA), and Mary Masterson (NJ)
1985 Harriett Donofrio (DE)
1984 Susan Leach (Snyder) (OH)