ALEXANDRIA, Va. — David Amidon, a science teacher at LaFayette Junior/Senior High School in LaFayette, New York, has been named the 2022 recipient of the American Geoscience Institute's (AGI) Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching.

Amidon earned a bachelor's degrees in biology from State University of New York (SUNY) Geneseo, earned a master's degree in education from SUNY Oswego, and has achieved National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in science. In his 22 years as a science educator, Amidon has often served as an instructional leader, including by becoming a NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador, earning an American Meteorological Society certification, being selected to the New York State Master Teacher Program, and coordinating grants to create learning opportunities for students.

Amidon's approach to Earth science education combines passion, innovation, investigative and cross-curricular techniques, continual professional development, and attention to building understanding of Earth systems and human impacts on them. One example among many is Amidon's Onondaga Lake Project, a place-based learning experience that Amidon crafted following a local environmental disaster. Students explored local history though the prism of science, investigated the effects of industrial pollution, and learned about a lakefront cleanup effort, a development of special significance to LaFayette students, many of whom have connections to the Onondaga Nation.

"David Amidon offers the kind of high-quality Earth science education that all young people should have the opportunity to experience," said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. "Through creativity and curiosity, he engages students through investigative activities that allow them to build geoscience knowledge to better understand and more meaningfully explore the natural world around them."

As part of the award, Amidon will receive a $2,500 cash prize and up to $1,000 for professional development. Both he and his school will receive plaques recognizing his accomplishment.

Given annually, AGI's Edward C. Roy Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. To learn more, please see www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
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AGI Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org