An Advanced Placement environmental science teacher at Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with the 2023 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.
Ayesha Qazi-Lampert's Making Space program encourages students to explore different methods of addressing the climate crisis and highlight local issues across the 77 neighborhoods in Chicago, according to an EPA news release. She also invites guest speakers to share lessons on using technology and science to connect with communities and protect local environments.
“Children are naturally curious and the environment around us harbors so much diversity and opportunity for discovery,” EPA Regional Administrator Debra Shore said in the release. “These awards recognize enterprise and leadership – in the classroom and outside its walls. We celebrate these teachers’ environmental stewardship.”
Qazi-Lambert works to impart the "importance of applying science to environmental justice," the release reported. Her students study the definition of environmental justice, learn about famous environmental justice leaders and are exposed to literary works about environmental justice.
The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators was established by the National Environmental Education Act in 1990 to recognize teachers who go beyond textbook instruction to incorporate creative experiences and enrich student learning in K-12 education, the release reported. This year, nine educators received the award, and four were recognized with an honorable mention distinction.
Winning educators demonstrated leadership by integrating environmental education into multiple subjects and using topics such as climate change, environmental justice and healthy school environments, according to the release. Other topics include water infrastructure, environmentally friendly agriculture practices, recycling and reducing ocean and marine littering.
"A climate-resilient society involves intergenerational collaborative work that uplifts, bridges, and builds relationships, skills and education,” Qazi-Lampert said in the release. “Collective environmental action requires the development of environmental justice and climate justice literacy."
Awardees receive a plaque, as well as up to $2,500 to further their professional development in environmental education, according to the EPA website. Additionally, the teacher's local education agency will also receive up to $2,500 for educational programs and activities.
