Edward C. Roy Jr. was a past president of the American Geological Institute (AGI), a professor at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, and a recipient of both the Ian Campbell Medal and the Heroy Distinguished Service Award.

He was a lifelong supporter of teachers and students from kindergarten to grade 8 and served for a number of years as chair of the AGI Education Advisory Committee. The award is designed to recognize one teacher of grades K-8 each year for his or her leadership and innovation in Earth science education. 

To be eligible, an applicant must be a full-time U.S. classroom teacher who currently provides instruction in Earth science at the K-8 level with all the responsibilities of such a position. Submission included an application form, resume, letters of recommendation from the teacher’s principal, two other education professions, an exemplary Earth science lesson plan that emphasizes an inquiry-based approach with instructional objectives, student outcomes, key concepts, materials used, safety guidelines, lesson procedure, and assessment methods. 

The submission had to include a 750-word essay describing the importance of teacher Earth science education to K-8 students and how the teacher inspires students to learn Earth science concepts, as well as, information on how the applicant augments his or her own Earth science understanding as an adult learner.

Each state in the U.S. selects an applicant that competes at the national level. This year, Ms Karen Anderson from Tellico Plains Jr. High School, was selected as the state representative for the national competition. 

According to Jeff Campfire of the AGI, they received a large number of submissions and after giving them all careful consideration, Anderson’s was certainly one of the most impressive. 

It was for that reason that they named her as one of three national finalists this year. The winner of the Ed C. Roy Award went to Michelle Bucannon, a teacher in Louisiana. Anderson finished second and received a plaque recognizing her as a national finalist and some additional materials for her classroom. She was encouraged to apply for this endowed annual award next year since the judges were so impressed with her entry.

Ms. Anderson stated, “Mr. Schlafer brought this to my attention and said it had me written all over it and encouraged me to apply. When I received an e-mail that I was selected as a finalist and needed to verify that I would be at the presentation ceremony if I won in Texas, I was numb and excited. Mr. Campfire called personally to let me know the decision and to encourage me to apply again. I made it to the final three and then the final two. I was honored to be considered and thrilled beyond belief at my placement.”