Teachers, the unsung champions of innovation and inspiration, ignite the flames of curiosity and activism in the hearts of their students. As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day, we pay homage to the educators who empower the next generation to become stewards of our planet. Among these luminaries are the recipients of the 2023 Educator Innovation Awards, who have leveraged our Ocean Awareness Contest to cultivate environmental awareness and ignite a passion for change in their classrooms. From Turkey to South Dakota, from Virginia to China, these visionary educators have embraced the Contest as a catalyst for transformation. Ozge Bekmezci, Katrina Boyum, Esther Kim, Angela Smith, Dongling Yao, and Nicolette Pocius exemplify the spirit of creativity and stewardship, infusing their teaching with empathy, ingenuity, and purpose. Through collaborative projects, interdisciplinary approaches, and a deep commitment to student empowerment, they have nurtured a generation of changemakers po...