Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award (OEST)

About this program

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) administers the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award to recognize and reward excellence in pre‑college (K–12) earth science teaching and to promote higher levels of instructional performance and engagement in geoscience education. Eight national finalists (one per NAGT regional section) are selected and some sections also designate state/province winners; the award is honorific and carries no specified monetary prize. Eligible applicants are K–12 teachers or educators who cover a substantial amount of earth science content; individuals may self‑nominate or be nominated by others and may receive the award no more than twice. Nominations are submitted via section‑specific online forms on the NAGT website, are accepted at any time but are due by February 1 for annual consideration, and remain eligible for three years; contact the OEST Committee Chair (Meghan Cook) if a section lacks a coordinator.