Fall 2025 Oceania award nominations
The Oceania chapter of NMEA is now accepting nominations for awards in three categories. To nominate an individual for any of these awards, complete and submit the award specific nomination form.
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Eligibility: Nominees must be:
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Check specific award eligibility requirements
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Located in the region covered by the Oceania chapter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), and
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Able to consent to being added to our Oceania listserv.
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The nominee will be asked to attend (in-person or virtually) the Oceania annual conference to accept the award.
Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged!
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Benefits:
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Award certificate
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Oceania membership for a year!
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If interested, Oceania will nominate the winner for this award at the National level. For the national level some additional information may be required; member must be an NMEA member.
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Nominations must be received before September 22nd, 2025 to be considered and awards will be given at the Fall Oceania meeting in October.
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Questions? Email Joanna Philippoff (philippo@hawaii.edu)
Oceania Outstanding Ocean prek-12 formal teacher Award
The Oceania Outstanding Ocean preK-12 Formal Teacher Award recognizes effective and innovative preK-12 classroom teaching.
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Eligibility: Nominees must be:
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A formal classroom teacher (preK-12)​
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Award Considerations: Nominee must demonstrate innovation in introducing marine science into materials, classroom activities, and/or topics. This maybe in a designated Marine Science class—or any other class (science, math, art, English)!
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Nominees will be assessed in the following areas:
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Positive Classroom Environment
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Creativity and/or Innovation in incorporating marine science into lessons
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Integration of Marine Science with other subject areas (e.g., math, english, CTE).*
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Oceania Outstanding Marine Informal Educator
The Oceania Outstanding Marine Informal Educator Award recognizes distinguished performance in marine education by professionals who are not classroom teachers.
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Eligibility: Nominees must be:
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An informal educator (aka, any marine educator that is not a formal classroom teacher!)
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Award Considerations: Nominees should have documented contributions to the furthering of marine science through education programs, legislation, and/or leadership.
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Nominees will be assessed in the following areas:
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Leadership in advancing marine science initiatives
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Creativity and/or innovation in introducing marine science into materials, activities, and/or projects/programs
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Scale of impact
Oceania Distinguished Service Award
The Oceania Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s service and dedication to Oceania; enthusiasm for marine and aquatic education; and earned respect from their peers. Nominees can be current or retired educators from formal or informal settings.
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Award Considerations: Nominees will be assessed in the following areas:
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Record of service and dedication to Oceania
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Enthusiasm for marine and aquatic education
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Consistently earn the respect of their peers
