The Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) recognized Stephen (Hoppy) Hopkins as Environmental Educator of the Year for 2000 - 2001.
The Award was established to honor a board member of the Association for their outstanding dedication and leadership in the field of environmental education. Mr. Hopkins has served two consecutive terms as AEOE chairperson, organized statewide conferences and has received clear recognition from his colleagues for his outstanding leadership contributions to outdoor education.
Mr. Hopkins has been instrumental in establishing national and international programs of environmental education. In collaboration with the University of California he has conducted graduate programs in Conservation Biology and helped to coordinate teacher training workshops and environmental education programs in Costa Rica and Ecuador. He has been associated with the Sacramento County Office of Education’s Sly Park program for over two decades where he is currently the school principal.
Hoppy believes that environmental education is an important part of the educational equation. “I am passionate about the outdoor school curriculum. Students who attend outdoor schools cultivate an appreciation for the natural world, develop social skills and remember their experience as a meaningful part of their lives. It is education that promotes a sound mind and a healthy body.”
As a veteran naturalist and mentor teacher he has emphasized the importance of professionalism for instructors interested in careers in environmental education. In his tenure as an AEOE Board member he established the first salaries, hours and benefits committee. Hoppy continues to address these issues at meetings and conferences throughout the state. Additional information on subjects related to naturalist's salaries and benefits can be found under the “Articles and Issues” section.