Barry Guillot, a teacher at Harry Hurst Middle School in St. Charles Parish, was recently honored as the recipient of the 2011 Louisiana Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. He received the award at a ceremony at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the National Science Teachers Association Regional Convention. The National Association of Geoscience Teachers Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Awards are administered by the Geological Society of America. This annual award recognizes teachers who provide “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.”

Guillot is a National Board Certified eighth-grade science teacher, and he is also the creator and coordinator of the nationally recognized Wetland Watchers service-learning project. Nearly 16,000 students have volunteered over 100,000 hours as part of this project. Guillot’s students have spoken to over a million visitors through outreach events. His work with the community has also led to the formation of St. Charles Parish’s Wetland Watchers Park located along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Norco.

“The National Association of Geoscience Teachers annually recognizes the positive impact of earth science teachers with the Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award. Louisiana’s recipient of this year’s award is Barry Guillot, who sets an exceptional example through wetland conservation education, inspiring his students to make a difference through stewardship and mentoring other students,” said Louisiana Earth Science Teachers Association President Wendy DeMers. “Barry is well-deserving of the 2011 Louisiana Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award.” 

The Geological Society of America awards recipients $500 travel money to attend a GSA meeting and up to $500 for classroom supplies. The award also includes an award certificate, a complimentary membership in GSA, plus information on GSA educational programs and events.