Some teachers are angels in disguise. When I think back about the different teachers I have had in the past a few stand out for being exceptional. One in particular, Ms. Boley my choir teacher, was instrumental throughout my entire high school years. She was one of the smallest teachers in our school and probably the only one who could get a room of 95 students to become as silent as the grave just by entering the room. I learned a lot from Ms. Boley and not just how to read music. She taught me to work hard and believe in myself when others might not. She modeled how to be true to yourself and not compromise what you know is right even when everyone else is doing wrong. When I became a teacher after college I wanted to be like her. I wanted my students to see in my behavior that I walked the walk of all the talk I was constantly showering them with. Ms. Boley and others like her exemplified what a true teacher is!
The Hilton HHonors Teacher Treks Program will give 15 teachers the funds to travel and experience firsthand the subjects they teach! This program was developed alongside the Institute of International Education (IIE) with the goal of bringing to life curriculum and inspiring students to explore this amazing world. Hilton HHonors Teacher Treks is a part of the Hilton Worldwide’s Travel with Purpose™ commitment to celebrating cultures and the power of travel to build stronger communities.
Teachers play vital roles in our children’s lives. When a teacher is passionate about the subject they teach they can greatly influence their students to become enthusiastic too. I remember being inspired to travel Africa to see how the natives interact with wildlife in positive ways to preserve all life after my biology teacher shared his safari adventures with us. Although I haven’t made it there yet, it’s on my bucket list! Hilton HHonors Teacher Treks is giving teachers a chance to see the world, bring back their excitement and experiences to their classrooms.
A panel of K-12 teachers and other education experts chosen by the IIE went through each applicants submissions. To apply, the teachers were asked to map out their travel dreams with detailed and creative itineraries. A few entries included: discovering how Shakespearean theater is imitated within different European cultures, attending the 4th Annual Korean Wind Band Festival in Seoul, and participating in a week-long Math Olympiad program in China! Wow, these teachers are creative! Although I would run far away from a week long math anything!
Now through April 30th 2013 you can vote for your favorite entries to help choose the 15 winners. Visit www.hhonors.com/TeacherTreks to choose your teacher. Having a hard time choosing just one? You may vote once a day during the entry period. Winners will be announced in May 2013. 10 lucky voters will be chosen to win a $250 Hilton HHonors gift card!
The winning 15 will receive a $6,000 grant to travel to the destination of their choice and their school will receive a $2,500 grant to use for cultural activities or enhancements. What is really great is the runner ups will receive a prize as well! After all I think all teachers deserve awards! Runner ups will receive a $2,500 grant for their school to use for cultural activities or enhancements. Finally, one winner from all submissions will receive a cultural excursion, that’s fancy for really cool field trip, for their classroom valued at $1,500!
Hilton HHonors is a free loyalty program that allows you to earn points for travel! Check it out!
*This post is sponsored by Hilton HHonors. Monetary compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.
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