Misti Newby Receives AGI's Roy Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Misti Dawn Newby, a STEM and science teacher at Grace Junior/Senior High School in Grace, Idaho, is the 2026 recipient of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, which has been given annually since 2008 by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI).
This national award recognizes Newby for cultivating a deep sense of place, purpose, and stewardship through Earth science education. She believes earth science is vital for all students because it equips them to make informed decisions that affect their communities, environments, and futures, especially in her rural agricultural area, where science directly intersects with daily life. Through local field experiences, such as exploring geologic sites, Newby helps students connect scientific concepts to landscapes they know, such as the Snake River Plain, nearby rivers, farmland soils, and mountain snowpack. Practicing hands-on, authentic science as part of The GLOBE Program, students collect real environmental data and provide soil testing services to local farms.
Partnerships with scientists, community organizations, and programs like Planetwalk further inspire stewardship, community engagement, and curiosity. Her signature teaching routine, “Bringing it Home,” has students make direct connections between concepts being taught and local settings, ensuring that every unit ties directly to students’ lived experiences.
“Misti Newby exemplifies the very spirit of the Edward C. Roy Jr. Award through her extraordinary ability to connect Earth science to students’ everyday lives in meaningful, lasting ways,” said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. “Her commitment to hands-on, inquiry-based learning and community engagement is cultivating not only strong scientific understanding, but also the next generation of informed, passionate stewards of our planet.”
Newby earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her master’s degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Wyoming and endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of Iowa. Since 1997, she also has served as a teacher of science, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and gifted and talented, as well as being a Lego Robotics coach. Recent honors include being named an Idaho National Laboratory K-12 Grant awardee, Idaho Lottery Classroom Wishlist awardee, and Sawtooth STEM Educator of the Year. Committed to lifelong learning, Newby continually engages in professional development to keep her instruction current and impactful. Recent experiences have included programs in scientific drawing, STEM, and approaches to implementing Idaho state science standards.
As part of the award, Newby will receive a $2,500 cash prize and up to $2,500 for professional travel. Both she and her school will receive plaques recognizing the accomplishment. Newby will be honored in a ceremony during the National Earth Science Teachers Association’s Friends of Earth Science Reception at the National Science Teaching Association’s Annual Conference in Anaheim, California, in April 2026.
The 2026 National Finalist for the award is Robert Zinke of Merrick, New York. As a finalist, Zinke will receive a plaque and publications from AGI to acknowledge his exemplary work.
Given annually, AGI’s Edward C. Roy Jr. Award traditionally 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 https://www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy.
About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Contact: Geoff Camphire, AGI Communications gac@americangeosciences.org