Where in the World...

...are your teachers going this summer? When educators take advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime adventures, everyone wins.

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Are your teachers developing a case of the midyear blues? If so, why not reassure them that summer is just around the corner? And while you’re at it, remind them that they have one of the most exciting jobs out there. OK, maybe “exciting” isn’t the word your teachers would have chosen, but once you show them these educator-only summer trips, they may change their minds. Best of all, they’re likely to come back in the fall with a slew of new professional development credits—not to mention some truly exciting lesson plans.

The Island School
Location: The Bahamas
What it is: Located on Cape Eleuthera, the Island School is an educational oasis where during the school year children learn the natural sciences firsthand and discover life underwater. And every summer, educators too are invited to visit the Island School’s sandy shores for a weeklong teachers’ conference that includes courses in marine life and scuba diving.
Dates: August 5–12
Cost: $900 plus travel expenses
To learn more: www.islandschool.org

GLOBE Training
Location: Kenya
What it is: GLOBE Training, a program for teachers offered through Holbrook Education, is a unique opportunity to learn about Africa. Teachers on safari will gaze out on the Kenyan landscape and meet local community members who will teach them about their traditions, arts, and foods, as well as the complex issues of sustainable development. Upon their return, teachers can lead future global expeditions.
Dates: June 15–29
Cost: $3,797 (includes airfare from London to Nairobi)
To learn more: www.holbrooktravel.com/pages/educationExpeditions

The Earthwatch Institute
Location: Worldwide
What it is: Earthwatch Institute offers educators fully funded fellowships for the ultimate in hands-on learning. Teachers will work with scientists doing field research in conservation on one of 130 projects around the world. They might find themselves tracking peccaries in Brazil’s Pantanal wetland or digging up ancient relics in Spain. Plus, professional development credits are available through Bank Street College. Deadlines are rolling but submitting an application before March 1 should improve your chances.
Dates: Year-round
Cost: Free (some travel expenses)
To learn more: Download an application at www.earthwatch.org

Archaeology Camp
Location: Alabama What it is: The University of Alabama Museum Expedition offers weeklong expeditions in historical/industrial archaeology at an excavation site at Tannehill State Park in Birmingham. Courses on American history will spring to life once teachers have had the chance to work on archaeological digs of their own.
Dates: June 6–9, 10–16, 17–23, 24–27
Cost: $200 to $400 per session
To learn more: www.amnh.ua.edu, call 205-348-7550, or e-mail museum.expedition@ua.edu to register

NASA Workshops
Location: Pennsylvania
What it is: Penn State University, in partnership with NASA, offers nine accredited, weeklong programs in the sciences, designed for fifth- to 12th-grade teachers. Courses in weather prediction, evolution, and the origin of the cosmos will give teachers the resources and confidence needed to deliver these exciting topics to their students. And thanks to NASA, teachers are provided with a lodging allowance, partial reimbursements for travel costs, and an allotment for meals. Tuition subsidies are available on a competitive basis.
Dates: July 8–August 3
Cost: $1,102 ($551 per credit) plus $65 fee for in-state residents; $2,006 ($1,003 per credit) plus $65 fee for educators living out of state
To learn more: teachscience.psu.edu

College of the Atlantic
Location: Maine
What it is: Few summer professional development courses beat those at the College of the Atlantic near Bar Harbor, which balance fieldwork, seminar discussion, and fun in a gorgeous setting on the Maine coast. Choose from a variety of courses in life sciences and environmental studies, including several that merge science, writing, and art. Educators who have been to the College of the Atlantic say it’s “an amazing summer camp for teachers.” And the work will be well rewarded, with up to four graduate credits.
Dates: June 24–August 5 (one- or two-week sessions are available)
Cost: One-week sessions start at $680
To learn more: www.coa.edu

The National Writing Project
Location: Across the U.S.
What it is: The National Writing Project has sites all over the country where teachers come together for professional development activities and programs that foster improvements in the teaching and learning of writing. It’s the premier effort for improving writing programs in America’s schools. At their local summer institute, participants examine their classroom practice, conduct research, and develop their own writing skills.
Dates: July 5–31
Cost: Free fellowships available
To learn more: www.writingproject.org

Save the Rainforest
Location: Central and South America
What it is: The nonprofit Save the Rainforest offers high-quality educational trips for students to the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and other tropical forest destinations. Teachers who lead an expedition travel free.
Dates: Year-round
Cost: Free
To learn more: www.saverfn.org or e–mail saverfn@cybermesa.com

The Guatemala Experience
Location: Antigua
What it is: At this summer program hosted by the University of Washington, teachers live with Guate-malan families while improving their Spanish-language skills and learning about Guatemalan culture and history. Teachers will visit local museums, colonial ruins, and traditional festivities organized through the program. Study abroad isn’t just for students anymore!
Dates: July 22–August 8
Cost: $1,965 (plus travel expenses)
To learn more: www.outreach.washington.edu/k12/spanish @

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