Western alumnus receives Maryland's highest honor for geography education

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University alumnus Kevin Barry, B.A.'06,  is the recipient of the 2024 James B. Binko Award for Outstanding Geography Educator-of-the-Year. Established by the Maryland Geographic Alliance, this prestigious award honors teachers who have significantly advanced geography education in Maryland and inspired students to develop a deep appreciation for the world around them.

According to the Maryland Geographic Alliance, Barry's innovative teaching methods made him a standout choice for the award. Integrating geographic information system technology into his curriculum, students in his class have received enhanced and engaging geographic learning. Additionally, through collaborations with the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency, his students participate in a Zombie Outbreak/Natural Disaster and Emergency Management Simulation to demonstrate real-world applications of geography.

Barry's commitment to geography education also goes beyond the classroom. Since 2019, he has served as a mentor for students competing in the annual "Mapping Maryland" ArcGis Student Map Competition. Through this competition, students investigate an issue or a problem or a story focused within the state and create a map-centered research project. His school has become the leading producer of student winners in the competition with one receiving national accolades for her research, "Lead Exposure in Baltimore".

About the James B. Binko Award

Named for James B. Binko, a lifelong advocate for geography education, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field. Binko’s career spanned more than five decades, including roles as a Maryland public school teacher, education professor and dean at Towson University, and consultant for the National Geographic Society.

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