NAME Marine & Aquatic Education Awards
The best part of NAME is its people. So many amazing educators invest their time, energy, resources, and creativity to teach others about the incredible world of marine and aquatic ecosystems in all their diversity. Each year we seek to shine a spotlight on these amazing educators and organizations through our marine and aquatic education awards.
Do you know an educator who goes above and beyond? Or someone whose creativity and innovation has opened new doors and opportunities for students or the community to learn about marine and aquatic ecosystems? Maybe there is an organization whose commitment and support of marine and aquatic education enables others to explore and discover the wonders of these habitats or whose advocacy efforts encourage others to get involved? Submit an award nomination today!
Whether a long-term leader or a young professional, their passion deserves to be celebrated. Now is your chance to recognize their impact by submitting a nomination for one of NAME’s annual awards!
Nominations must be made by active NAME members and submitted by September 19th for awarding at the 2026 NAME Annual Conference in Federal Way,WA.
NAME is proud to recognize educators in the following nominated categories:
Nominations must be submitted by active members. All individual award recipients will receive a one-year active membership to NAME and NMEA following the presentation of their award.
Outstanding Marine/Aquatic Educator—Formal
For effective and innovative classroom teaching at any grade level.
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/ School Environment | Do students demonstrate lasting learning, inspiration, or stewardship as a result of the nominee’s work? And/ or has the nominee supported colleagues, mentored new educators, or provided leadership in formal education? |
| Creativity and/or Innovation in lessons | Has the nominee developed or adapted innovative lessons, projects, or approaches for formal settings? |
| Integration of Marine Science with other subject areas | Has the nominee integrated aquatic/marine concepts into the classroom in engaging and effective ways? |
Outstanding Marine/Aquatic Educator – Informal
For distinguished performance in marine/aquatic education by professionals who are not classroom teachers.
Award Considerations: Nominee demonstrated innovation in introducing marine science into materials, classroom activities, and/or topics. Nominees will be assessed in the following areas.
| Leadership in advancing marine science initiatives | Has the nominee contributed time or expertise to NAME or advanced the field of informal marine education? |
| Creativity and/or Innovation in introducing marine science into materials, activities, and/or projects/programs | Has the nominee developed unique approaches or programs that connect people with aquatic/marine environments? |
| Scale of impact | Does the nominee effectively reach and inspire diverse audiences across age groups and backgrounds? And/ or has the nominee built strong partnerships with community, cultural, or educational organizations? |
Outstanding Organization Award
Awarded to a non-profit or local/state/regional organization in recognition of outstanding contribution to aquatic and marine education.
Award Considerations: Nominee demonstrated innovation in introducing marine science into materials, classroom activities, and/or topics. Nominees will be assessed in the following areas.
| Leadership in advancing marine science initiatives | Has the organization contributed to NAME or supported the broader marine education community? Has the organization provided leadership in the field and collaborated effectively with partners? |
| Variety of methods of marine/aquatic support | Has the organization developed creative or exemplary programs, curricula, or initiatives? |
| Scale of impact | Has the organization significantly advanced aquatic/marine education and stewardship in its community or region? Has the organization engaged diverse audiences and supported equitable access to marine education? |
How to Nominate:
Active NAME members can submit their nomination through their Member Profile in the NAME Member Portal. Once logged in, go to the Forms menu and select NAME Award Nomination. Nominees do not have to be NAME members.
Please take a minute today to lift up the people and partners who inspire you.
Information you will need to submit your nomination:
- Nominee’s name, email, affiliation/organization, mailing address, phone number
- Nominator’s name, email, and phone number
- Answers to the following questions:
- Briefly describe the nominee’s background or organization’s mission
- Briefly describe how the nominee or organization’s accomplishments best reflect the designated award category.
In addition, the following awards are presented by the NAME Board of Directors:
Joy Tally President’s Award
This award is given by the current NAME President to a deserving NAME member.
Honorary Lifetime Members
Honorary Lifetime Membership is the highest recognition NAME can bestow. This special honor is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a distinguished career in teaching, research, or service in the field of marine and aquatic education.
To be considered for this recognition, a nominee must be recommended in writing by at least three (3) active NAME members. Nominations are reviewed by a Selection Committee chaired by the NAME President. Once endorsed by a majority of the NAME Officers, the nominee will be formally approved as an Honorary Lifetime Member.
Honorary Lifetime Members are not required to pay dues and enjoy all the rights and privileges of active NAME membership.
If you would like to nominate someone for Honorary Lifetime Membership, please send written recommendation to info@pacname.org.