John Fortner Award

The John Fortner Outstanding Educator Award was created in honor of our first President, founder and supporter of the Texas Outdoor Education Association since the beginning in 1974. This award is to honor an educator who has worked tirelessly to promote the mission of TOEA, which is to develop in the children of Texas a love and appreciation for the outdoors and the environment.

Any current member of the TOEA may either self-­nominate or nominate someone else for this award as long as they meet the following criteria:

1. Be a current member of TOEA.

2. Have been a member of TOEA for at least 5 years.

3. Is not currently a member of the Board of Directors.

4. May be either an active or retired educator.

5. Serve as a positive role model epitomizing the values and desired outcomes of outdoor/environmental education. 

6. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the profession and her/his role in it.

7. Show interest in, and sensitivity to the needs of students, clients, and fellow professionals.

8. Utilizes various methodologies and implements creative, innovative and safe effective courses, programs, classes in outdoor education.

9. Assumes responsibility for her/his professional growth and evidence of professional commitment through membership and involvement in local, state, and national professional organizations.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 15, 2018

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE and send the application to the current TOEA President (contact info under "current leadership"). 

The award recipient will be recognized at the TOEA workshop and presented with a keepsake.