Earlier this summer, we announced that the Blue Heron Educator Awards had officially gone nationwide. Now, we’re taking you behind the scenes to meet the incredible humans at the heart of it all.
These are the changemakers. The doers. The never-stop-believing-in-you kind of educators. Nominated by their Outward Bound communities across the country, they’re the teachers, program leaders, and advocates who are making a bold, lasting impact in classrooms, on trails, and everywhere in between.
They don’t just teach curriculum. They teach courage. They help students find their voice, speak up, and step into their full potential. And they do it with relentless dedication, real-deal compassion, and the kind of energy only a second cup of coffee can deliver.
So, let’s put the spotlight on our 2025 Blue Heron Educators, the everyday heroes who are making a real impact where it counts most. They’re here to tell us why outdoor education means so much to them, and, even more importantly, why it’s a game-changer for their students.
Diane has spent more than three decades helping students grow with confidence and curiosity. As a special education teacher, she finds joy in the “aha” moments—when students light up with excitement after learning something new. Whether she’s co-teaching science or building inclusive classroom communities, Diane is inspired daily by her students’ creativity, compassion, and big-picture thinking.
Given the uncertainty of our rapidly changing world, I model the values we hope to see in the next generation: inclusiveness, collaboration, resilience, and openness to new ideas and people. I hope by doing this, I can inspire students to grow, connect, and thrive. I am committed to reimagining education by creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. I am continually looking for ways to adapt my teaching methods to meet today’s challenges while preparing students for a bright future.
For almost 20 years, Dr. Ty’s been all about building community, both inside the school and out in the world. She values the friendships, mentorships, and family she’s found along the way, and loves supporting students, teachers, and families as they grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. So, what keeps her going? The fearless students she works with every day; they aren’t afraid to step up, speak out, and take on whatever comes their way. Dr. Ty has also been a fierce supporter of Outward Bound in her words, actions, and the level of care she shows for her students engaging with our programs:
Outward Bound provides students with a safe container to try something new, step outside of their comfort zone, endure the uncontrollable, and connect in different and meaningful ways with staff and other students on the trail with them. It allows them to try on the skills they have learned in life up to that point in a safe space and allows them to fall/fail and get back up. It allows them to learn leadership in all aspects from leading to following and working as a team/unit.
Jackie’s passion for learning comes alive through hands-on experiences. As both a lifelong learner and a nonprofit education leader, she believes that discovery-based learning unlocks every student’s potential. Her favorite work? Leading an outdoor early childhood program that lets kids just be kids: exploring, connecting, and becoming true stewards of the natural world.
Outdoor experiential team building and leadership programs are crucial today as many students and adults struggle with communication skills, problem resolution and in general the ability to try again. Programs like ours provide opportunities for collaboration, connection and growth individually and as a whole unit. I am so thankful to be working in an industry that supports everyday people willing to take on everyday life challenges.
For Jessie, teaching is a beacon of hope and joy, a place where she and her colleagues create a safe, accepting space in a world that often feels heavy. Her classroom is a community where being yourself is encouraged, risks are welcomed, mistakes are part of learning, and laughter is never in short supply (because, let’s be honest, middle schoolers and their teachers are some of the funniest people on earth).
Teaching motivates me to keep going and caring and trying to make the world a better place because I see the future in my students and I want to continue to show up for them.
For over a decade, Linda has proudly promoted Outward Bound programs, knowing firsthand the transformative power they hold. She sees these experiences as a rare chance for students to hit pause on everyday pressures: escaping school stress, at-home expectations, and the noise of social media. She says that Outward Bound offers students a chance to unplug, connect with nature, work as a team, and bond with peers from all over the country.
It’s a chance to gain confidence in themselves and their ability to conquer their fears. They begin to see their potential and see themselves in a different light and are often empowered by their newfound emotional and physical strength. I love seeing students when they return from an Outward Bound program because it has made a profound impact. I can see it in the way they carry themselves and how they communicate. It’s awesome!
Forrest’s classroom is built on books, creativity, and curiosity — complete with couches, student art, and electives like handmade bookmaking, sci-fi lit, and “Walks in the Forest with Forrest.” A lifelong nature lover, he now spends afternoons in his flower garden and each year leads his 8th graders on an Outward Bound expedition. For Forrest, it’s one of the best parts of the job.
Outward Bound challenges and changes [my students]. They come home with more appreciation, more openness, and the confidence that there is more in them than they knew.
With a deep love for literacy and learning, Nixaliz is committed to helping every student succeed—especially multilingual learners. Using both pullout and co-teaching models, she ensures students stay engaged with grade-level content while receiving the support they need to thrive. She’s a believer in collaboration, creativity, and meeting students where they are. And with 88% of her students meeting or exceeding their language proficiency growth this year, her impact is undeniable.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t try for the benefit of my students.
Andrew doesn’t just teach; he helps students carry more than backpacks. Through Outward Bound, he’s watched them uncover confidence, courage, and connection they didn’t know they had. With nearly 20 years of experience and leadership in Project SPARC, Andrew is a champion of hands-on learning. Whether paddling creeks, hiking the Delaware Water Gap, or setting up camp, he sees transformation in action. What once took a full school year, building trust, empathy, and community, now begins in just a few days on trail. The impact sticks: students return more connected, more open, and more ready to lead.
Sometimes it feels like that movie Everything Everywhere All at Once — you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, caught in competing emotions, and still trying to get dinner made before dark. But somewhere in the chaos, it all simplifies. You realize life is just one foot in front of the other, and it matters who’s walking beside you. That’s what Outward Bound teaches my students to do: to show up for each other. It’s discovery through challenge, and by the end of it, everyone understands that the difference between an ordeal and an adventure is attitude. That’s life.
As a Discovery Teacher, Liz has seen firsthand how challenge sparks growth. From outdoor skills to everyday resilience, her students gain more than experience: they gain confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of self. For Liz, Outward Bound isn’t just an adventure; it’s a powerful tool for helping young people rise.
Not only are connections made, but so are leaders. There are many opportunities for individuals to rise to the occasion to support others in reaching a common goal by using the skills of communication, problem-solving, compassion, and empathy. Outward Bound successfully supports the growth and the development of individuals to recognize the power each one of us holds within and that we can be resilient in this ever- changing world.
James has spent nearly three decades shaping young minds in the classroom and on the soccer field, bringing the same passion and energy to both. An avid outdoors enthusiast, he believes experiential learning, whether through English, sports, or time in nature, is essential to building students’ self-confidence and identity.
Outward Bound provides great opportunities for young people. My students challenge themselves and their peers through specific skill set development like climbing or paddling, while also developing their group dynamics and communication skills. I work in an alternative school setting and VOBS is integral in fostering positive self-concept and relationships. There’s nothing better than the satisfied smile on the kid who says ‘I did It!’
With nearly three decades in the classroom, Michele knows one thing for sure: teaching is all about the students. And they’re always evolving. Whether she’s adapting to new technology or rethinking old methods, Michele embraces change to stay connected to how this generation learns, thinks, and engages. Teaching at the intersection of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, she sees firsthand how students are processing the world differently, questioning everything, absorbing information rapidly, and developing global perspectives far beyond their years.
Outdoor education programs like Outward Bound give students the ability to pause and contemplate. So much of our students’ lives is that constant “feed”, that they don’t have time to truly process what something means. Giving them the space to process and understand is so valuable.
To every educator featured here – and the many more who inspire us daily – thank you. Your passion, creativity, and unwavering belief in your students shape not only classrooms and communities, but futures. We’re honored to celebrate you.
Keep an eye on our social media channels all summer long as we continue to spotlight the 2025 Blue Heron Educators and share more stories from across the country. There’s plenty more inspiration to come.
