The Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education selects Monique Streit, SYRCL’s Education Director, as their Northern Environmental Educator of the Year

Each year, the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) selects two Environmental Educators of the Year – one in northern California and one in southern California – for their outstanding contributions to the field of environmental and outdoor education. Educators are nominated by their peers and are selected by AEOE’s awards committee.

As their Northern Environmental Educator of the Year, this year the AEOE chose SYRCL’s Education Director, Monique Streit.

Founded in 1954 as one of the first associations for outdoor educators in the nation. the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen environmental education in California by connecting providers, building professional expertise, and championing environmental literacy and outdoor learning. As the professional association for environmental and outdoor education in California, AEOE serves as a force multiplier, convening programs and practitioners across the state to share best practices, learn from one another, and advance the field of environmental and outdoor education.

2024 Northern Environmental Educator of the Year – Monique Streit 

Monique Streit has made a profound impact on the field of environmental education through her leadership as Education Director at SYRCL. Monique revitalized the organization’s environmental education programs, rebuilt relationships with schools, and secured critical funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her efforts have expanded program reach by 65% since 2019, engaging over 6,400 students, teachers, and community members in 2024 alone.   

Under her leadership, SYRCL’s Salmon Expeditions rafting field trips grew by 73%, now serving all fourth graders in Yuba County and beyond. Monique reimagined the program to align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), integrated pre- and post-field trip lessons, and removed barriers to access through grants, gear loaner programs, and partnerships with Title I schools. Her collaboration with the Nisenan Tribe has ensured a culturally relevant curriculum that honors Indigenous language, history, and stewardship of the land.   

Monique also developed a water quality testing program for high school students and professionalized the Wild & Scenic Film Festival School Programs, creating inclusive film experiences paired with classroom resources. As co-chair of SYRCL’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, she led the organization’s first staff and board wide training to advance equity across SYRCL’s initiatives. In addition to her work with SYRCL, Monique serves as the Co-Lead of the Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub of the California Environmental Literacy Initiative.   

Monique’s dedication to equity, innovation, and transformative education inspires students and educators alike, fostering the next generation of environmental stewards.