Traveling and teaching

“I grew up in a household of educational professionals. My mom was a kindergarten and special ed teacher for 40 years. When I was little, I would hang out in her classroom, and so, from the time I was young, I always valued education. I love the engagement that happens with students. I also think one of the best parts of teaching is that things are always new. You constantly are getting new groups of kids. Because you’re always getting new kids, everything is always changing.

One of the most memorable moments during my years as an educator happened in Cusco, Peru. When we were in Peru, we visited an orphanage there. We were only supposed to spend 45 minutes to an hour, but the kids became very engaged with the orphans, and we stayed there for about 7 hours. We did many things for them. We rebuilt their playground that was destroyed. We sent chaperones grocery shopping to get them granola bars and other things once we saw what was in their pantry. We also purchased them a mountain heater. They were really high up in the mountains and so, the water they had available to them was extremely cold. It was just amazing to see all these kids helping out, and bonding just like that.

Overall, educational travel has brought many lasting memories. It allows for students and I to get to know each other better, and it’s just amazing being able to travel all over.” (Mr. Matt Wolf, business teacher)