What is an Outstanding Bighorn Teacher?
The Outstanding Bighorn Teacher plays a vital role in the team of scientists, managers, and conservationists striving to secure the future of wild sheep and wildlife by educating future generations of conservationists. Outstanding Bighorn Teachers are recognized for providing students with the opportunity to understand wildlife biology and ecology and develop a conservation ethic around wild sheep and other wildlife. They also consistently work with students and conservation organizations to engage and inspire youth about wild sheep, wildlife, and wildlands.
Does this sound like someone you know? Nominate them today!
Click HERE for our nomination form.
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS : July 1 – October 1, 2026
Criteria for Award:
• Provide education surrounding wild sheep, wildlife, and wildlands while also
working with students and conservation organizations.
• Nominees can be either classroom teachers or non-classroom teachers.
(An education degree/teaching background is not required.)
• Nominees do not need to teach specifically about wild sheep to be considered. All wildlife teachers are welcomed to be nominated.
Award:
• The award is presented at the Annual Bighorn Bash Fundraiser in November.
Please note, employees and current directors of the National Bighorn Sheep Center are not eligible to be nominated.
The 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Bighorn Teacher Award is Ben Porkolab!
Ben is the Conservation Education Coordinator with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in Benezette, PA.
As the Conservation Education Coordinator, Ben supervises the education department at the Elk Country Visitor. Ben earned his elementary teaching degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and student taught at McKeever Environmental Learning Center.
One of Ben’s duties is scheduling group field trips to the center as well as those participating in the distance learning program. As a veteran elementary school teacher for twenty two years, Ben is familiar with grade level curriculums and state standards that are expected. He selects lessons that are age appropriate and standards driven. Ben is passionate about sharing his love for the outdoors through educating people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whether on a trail, or on a wagon ride Ben enjoys teaching in his element, which is outside with nature.
Thank you, Ben for being a passionate conservation education leader!
Previous Recipients:
Ryan Brock, PhD (2024)
Chester Moore (2023)
Brent Miller (2022)
Lori Sincavage (2020)
Brady Simuelson (2019)