Arkansas elementary school teacher wins presidential environmental honor

Jolie Hobbs, an elementary school teacher from Van Buren, Ark., was presented with the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) at a White House ceremony July 17 honoring teachers and students from around the country for their environmental efforts.

Hobbs, who teaches at King Elementary School, has developed several programs to provide students with an environmental education while also encouraging community engagement and making their experiences enjoyable, the EPA said. She worked to implement more sustainability measures at the school and increase local awareness of issues like recycling and sustainable farming practices and water usage. Hobbs also created the Green News Program, which made environmental education part of weekly school assemblies.

“Jolie Hobbs’ dedication to environmental education inspires students to promote sustainability in their school and their community,” said EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “She is making a difference in generations across Arkansas.”

The PIAEE, one of several awards given at the July 17 ceremony, honors K-12 teachers who promote environmental education through innovative means, creatively using local resources, landscapes and communities to bring lessons to life.