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Omaha Public Schools Teacher Shawn Graham Receives Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

08/16/2016
Contact Information: 
Chris Whitley (whitley.christopher@epa.gov)
913-551-7394

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EPA seal(Lenexa, Kan., Aug. 16, 2016) - A science teacher from the Omaha, Neb., Public Schools’ (OPS) Accelere Program was named today as a recipient of a prestigious Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) for 2015-2016.

Shawn Graham was one of 18 teachers from across the country to be formally recognized this morning in ceremonies at the White House in Washington, D.C. Graham teaches science for the OPS Accelere Program, which provides access to an accelerated degree format for students aged 17 to 20 who are working toward a high school diploma.

The PIAEE program recognizes outstanding kindergarten through grade 12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Each year, up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions are selected to receive the award. This year, Graham is the sole recipient in EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and nine tribal nations.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.

Graham was recognized for his efforts in pulling together a group of partners from various professions and backgrounds in support of a tailor-made, real-world science program to engage his students.

In nominating Graham for the award, one OPS administrator wrote: “Mr. Graham is innovative in his approaches to helping students learn about the environment and the importance of preserving and enhancing it. He uniquely brings in many community partners to be a part of the effort, building student skills in grant writing and reporting as well as the science learning. His efforts are laudable, and certainly above and beyond.”

As a PIAEE award winner, Graham receives a Presidential award plaque and an award of up to $2,500 to be used to further his professional development in environmental education. Omaha Public Schools will also receive an award of up to $2,500 to fund environmental educational activities and programs.

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Learn more about Graham and other winners of this year’s PIAEE awards

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