Passion for the Environment Earns Georgia Teacher the 2025 PLT Outstanding Educator of the Year Award

 

Georgia Project Learning Tree (GA PLT) has named Gage Williams, a former dedicated PLT-trained educator at Forest, as its 2025 Outstanding Educator of the Year. The award honors his innovative creation of an environmental club and his commitment to delivering hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities that emphasize environmental literacy, sustainability, and natural resource education

Details & Highlights:

  • Williams launched and lead an environmental club at The Forest School, infusing PLT resources into subjects like marine biology, entomology, wildlife management, and sustainability Georgia Project Learning Tree.

  • He credits his success to early 4-H experiences and time at the Georgia Aquarium and UGA Extension Service, applying a learner-centered, self-directed model where “when we expose students to a subject… the goal is that by the end of a project, every child will find something that interests them and become one hundred percent involved”.

  • GA PLT Co-Chair Chelsea York praised Williams’ impact: “The curiosity and enthusiasm Gage sparks in his students reflects a true dedication to cultivating future environmental stewards… his involvement with piloting PLT’s Forests, Water, and People activity collection… is exactly what the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award celebrates”.

GA PLT extends its congratulations to Gage Williams for this meaningful recognition. Educators interested in learning more about Project Learning Tree or Georgia Forestry Commission services can visit GaTrees.org

 
Tyler Thigpen