WHY DO I TRAVEL?
For as long as I can remember, I have ALWAYS enjoyed traveling. Whenever my parents would say, "We're going to ...(wherever)... " my bags were quickly packed and lined up at the kitchen door in seconds, with a countdown on the fridge of how many days were left until it was time for us to leave. Don't get me wrong. I loved being at home and playing kickball at the top of the street in my cul-de-sac, but I knew the word "trip" meant that I was going to encounter something new, as I sat in the back of our tan station wagon. I was willing to endure the heat of the red leather seats, just for the experience of going on an adventure.
So, when I was presented with the opportunity to take my students on a journey of a lifetime many. many years ago, I knew that it was a sign from above telling me to bring my classroom into the world. To hear the enthusiasm of my students that year say, "Come on, Mrs. Tuttle, let's go see Germany and take our own pilgrimage through Eastern Europe," I could not let that energy dwindle. I researched, I investigated, and I prayed about this huge step and then set off into a path that I continue to be thankful for each year.
I am a firm believer that the greatest learning experience takes place when you are able to see the world! Books are beautiful, but the world is breathtaking. It's one thing to read about President Reagan telling Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down that wall," but when you are able to stand at the Berlin Wall -- touch it -- and see how this thin piece of concrete divided a country, a new meaning to education is created.
Lisa Ling once said, "The best education I have ever received was through traveling." This vividly echoes my sentiment and I strive to bring my love for teaching and my love for learning into one glorious adventure for my students.
So, when I was presented with the opportunity to take my students on a journey of a lifetime many. many years ago, I knew that it was a sign from above telling me to bring my classroom into the world. To hear the enthusiasm of my students that year say, "Come on, Mrs. Tuttle, let's go see Germany and take our own pilgrimage through Eastern Europe," I could not let that energy dwindle. I researched, I investigated, and I prayed about this huge step and then set off into a path that I continue to be thankful for each year.
I am a firm believer that the greatest learning experience takes place when you are able to see the world! Books are beautiful, but the world is breathtaking. It's one thing to read about President Reagan telling Mikhail Gorbachev to "tear down that wall," but when you are able to stand at the Berlin Wall -- touch it -- and see how this thin piece of concrete divided a country, a new meaning to education is created.
Lisa Ling once said, "The best education I have ever received was through traveling." This vividly echoes my sentiment and I strive to bring my love for teaching and my love for learning into one glorious adventure for my students.