FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tulsa, Okla., USA – The Trustees of the AAPG Foundation today announced that Claiborne "Clay" Morton of Fayetteville High School has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year, recognizing his exceptional dedication to earth science education and his ability to inspire a new generation of scientists and informed citizens.
"Connecting the earth sciences to daily life, building scientific literacy, and inspiring the next generation of geoscientists is vitally important to our world today," said Jim McGhay, chair of the Board of Trustees. "The Trustees join me in congratulating and thanking Clay for his dedication and focus."
The prestigious award comes with a cash award with half designated for school use under Morton’s supervision for educational purposes, and the other half for his personal use.
A Teacher Who Practices What He Preaches
Morton, a veteran science educator at Fayetteville High School, currently teaches AP Environmental Science and has built a reputation for making earth sciences relevant and accessible to his students. His teaching philosophy centers on encouraging students to connect their classroom learning to real-world applications and the environment around them.
"Inspiring, thoughtful, motivating, compelling are just some of the words used to describe Clay by his students and colleagues," said Teacher of the Year committee chair Karla Tucker. "His passion is clear, and it's contagious."
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Morton's response to receiving the honor reflects his commitment to modeling as a teacher what he experienced as a student.
"This is a difficult one. I have a hard time with these kinds of things," Morton said upon receiving notice of the award. "But my first impression was that I was humbled, and I felt it was a tribute to my good friend, mentor, and professor Dr. Walt Manger. He is the one who taught me the essence of education, a love of geology, and the importance of great teachers. I would like to accept this award in his honor."
Morton's relationship with Manger, a retired geology professor from the University of Arkansas, was recently featured in a CBS News "On the Road" segment by correspondent Steve Hartman, highlighting the profound impact of mentorship in education.
About the AAPG Foundation
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation is a permanent non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology. Since 1967, the Foundation has promoted geoscience education by providing funding for educational and research programs that benefit the geologic profession and the general public, with particular emphasis on cultivating a strong and vibrant community of students and professionals focused on petroleum geoscience, energy minerals, and environmental geoscience.
For more information about the AAPG Foundation and its programs, visit foundation.aapg.org.
Media Contact: Susie Nolen, Foundation and Programs Team Lead, Tel: +1-918-560-2634, Email: [email protected]