The $1,000 award will go to a Georgia kindergarten through fifth-grade public or private school teacher who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences. Science specialists covering those grade levels can also apply.

Teachers who apply must use Georgia’s native animals, plants and habitats as the context for covering Georgia Standards of Excellence. Although the grant emphasizes life science, cross-curricular teaching is highly encouraged. Preference will be given to teachers who demonstrate creativity in project design and take learning outside, as well as for projects that could not be funded otherwise. Teaching can take place in-person on school grounds or online.

“The outdoors is an ever-changing, real-world learning lab for a variety of subjects,” DNR outreach coordinator Linda May said. “Students are more engaged and focused when they observe and experience nature firsthand. The result is improved academic performance and well-being.”  

The Conservation Teacher of the Year grant is coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Section, part of DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division. Through education, research and management, the Wildlife Conservation Section works to safeguard Georgia's native diversity of wild animals, plants and their habitats, while also striving to increase public enjoyment of the outdoors.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 2, 2026. DNR will notify the grant winner by Nov. 16, 2026.  

For more information about the Conservation Teacher of the Year grant, please visit https://georgiawildlife.com/TeachingConservationGrant or contact Linda May (linda.may@dnr.ga.gov, 706-319-0211) or Anna Yellin (anna.yellin@dnr.ga.gov, 678-459-8393).  

TEACHER OF THE YEAR GRANT/AT A GLANCE

• $1,000 grant to a Georgia K-5 public or private school teacher (including science specialists) who demonstrates exceptional energy and innovation in teaching life sciences.
• Provided by the Georgia DNR Wildlife Conservation Section. 
• Deadline to apply: Nov. 2. Recipient will be notified by Nov. 16.
• For more: https://georgiawildlife.com/TeachingConservationGrant or contact Linda May (linda.may@dnr.ga.gov, 706-319-0211) or Anna Yellin (anna.yellin@dnr.ga.gov, 678-459-8393).

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