NAME Award Nominations
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. 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.
Please log in to your NAME Member Portal to submit a nomination. You can find the Nomination Form under the Forms tab.
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? |
Information you will need to submit a nomination:
- Nominee’s name, email, affiliation, mailing address and 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 the nominee or organization’s accomplishments best reflect the designated award category.