PD With Perks: Travel and Learn

Finding professional development (PD) that’s impactful and engaging can be a challenge. But what if you could choose from a variety of compelling sessions and travel across the United States or even the world to learn with other educators? Many of these programs exist, and some provide partial or full funding for expenses.

I have been fortunate to take part in two incredible travel-and-learn PD experiences. In 2010, I spent a month in Africa with the Ethiopia Reads organization funded through a Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program. We visited schools and libraries, collaborated with Ethiopian educators, toured notable sites, and participated in cultural activities with the goal of bringing our experiences back to our classrooms in the U.S. to share with students and colleagues.

Last summer, I took part in a National Endowment for the Humanities program on Using Comics to Teach Social Justice through San Diego State University’s Center for Comics Studies. For two weeks in July, 25 educators from 16 different states were immersed in the rich learning opportunities afforded through comics and graphic novels. The experience culminated in a trip to Comic-Con International, a huge comic book and pop culture convention that brings creatives and fans together.

Costs

Some programs cover expenses like housing and meals, some provide a stipend at the conclusion of the program, and some are self-pay. Program websites provide detailed information about what to expect.

For my Fulbright-Hays trip, expenses within Ethiopia were covered, including transportation, lodging, tours, cultural activities, and most meals. Participants paid for their passports and visas, vaccinations, souvenirs, and a few meals. Airfare was covered up to a certain amount with overage paid by participants.

National Endowment for the Humanities programs offer a stipend of $650–$3,450 to help cover expenses for one-to-four-week programs. Expenses vary greatly, depending on location and how far you live from the program site.

School districts can have funds specially set aside for PD, so don’t be afraid to ask your administrator to help fund some of the costs. My district paid the airfare for my NEH trip so I could apply my stipend to housing, ground transportation, and meals.

Classroom impact and benefits

My trip to Ethiopia expanded my worldview in a profound way. Visiting African schools and interacting with children and educators was life-changing.

During the spring prior to the trip, I had my students create homemade books I could transport to Ethiopia and donate to school libraries. Every child in my K–5 school participated in the project, and students knew that the pages they wrote and illustrated would be read by children across the world. Talk about authentic learning and cross-cultural connections!

After returning from Africa, I developed “culture stations” where students explored Ethiopia through their five senses. We listened to stories, sang songs, handled objects, played games, tasted food, and immersed ourselves in another culture. My rural Kansas students learned about another way of life, which brought home the message of global citizenship.

My NEH program exposed me to a variety of speakers who shared about comics and how they connect to a variety of social justice issues, subject areas, and state and national standards. I was excited to learn about engaging new graphic novels to add to my library collection and benefited from hearing a variety of viewpoints. In addition to the rich experiences provided through the program itinerary, I learned so much from my fellow educators in the program and now have teacher friends all over the country.

Cons of participating in travel and learn PD

Although there are obvious benefits to participating, there are also some potential drawbacks. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Time: You are committing to giving up a hefty chunk of personal time to participate. Travel usually occurs during the summer, but some programs happen during the school year, so your administrator would have to allow you to miss work.

Selectivity: A lot of these programs are highly competitive. Some people have reported that they applied multiple times before being accepted, so perseverance pays.

Cost: You may need to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.

Personally, I feel the value of my trips was more than worth the time and funds expended. They didn’t feel at all like a regular PD experience. I was a lifelong learner in my element, involved in the most engaging professional experiences of my life.

Application tips

Applications vary according to the program. Some ask for a résumé, CV, or letter of recommendation. These tips are relevant no matter the program:

• Early-career teachers are encouraged to apply. You don’t need decades of teaching experience to be selected. Programs want diverse participants at various points in their career.
• Read eligibility carefully. Choose a program that’s a good fit for you. In addition to classroom teachers, many programs are also open to librarians, counselors, special education teachers, and instructional coaches. Some include administrators and those in higher education.
• Read program requirements, and be sure you want to and are able to fulfill them all. Some programs require preparation ahead of meeting in person and may also ask you to complete follow-up lessons, presentations, or reports.
• Answer questions thoroughly. Grant reviewers say applicants often fail to actually answer the question. Pay close attention to selection criteria, and tailor your application accordingly.
• Have someone proofread your application.

Travel and Learn PD Programs for Educators

In addition to the programs included above, here are some others you might be interested in.

• Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. For adventurous pre-K through 12 teachers, provided through the National Geographic Society. Locations include Greece, Antarctica, Iceland, and the Galapagos Islands.
• STEAM in the Park. Learn STEAM concepts in nature through Expeditions in Education. Travel and program costs are self-pay.
• Smithsonian’s Teacher Innovator Institute. Fully funded, two-week experience for middle school STEM teachers in Washington, D.C.
• Transatlantic Outreach Program. Fully funded, two-week tour of Germany for social studies and STEM educators.
• White House History Teacher Institute. Five-day program in Washington, D.C., for K–12 educators. Includes housing, some meals, and travel stipend.
• Wild Heart Teacher. Three-day retreat in Colorado aimed to encourage and inspire. Open to all school staff. Cost is $50 for all meals, lodging, and activities. Registration is first come, first served. Attendees pay travel costs.
• Teaching World War II Summer Teacher Workshops. Held at National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Travel, lodging, and meals provided.
• Fund for Teachers. Create your own travel and learn experience and apply for a fellowship to fund it.
• Facebook group: Scholarships, Grants, Summer Institutes, and Opportunities for Teachers. Private group that shares opportunities, tips, and deadlines. Connect with educators who have participated in these programs.

Good luck and happy travels!