Explorer Awards Information

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One applicant will receive an expense-paid study tour for international travel to be taken during summer 2011.

All entries will be included in a random drawing to select ten finalists. Those ten finalists will complete an application that will be considered by an independent panel of four judges. One teacher will then be selected for the study trip.

Only ten teachers will be invited to apply for the awards, but everyone has the same chance of receiving an invitation!

The Stanley Foundation recognizes:

• The value of international travel as professional development for educators.
• The change in perspective brought about by immersion in a culture different from one's own.
• The greater ability to support and teach diverse students that stems from a deeper understanding and appreciation of another culture.
• The knowledge gained through firsthand experience and intercultural communication that takes place during a quality study tour.
• The importance of new tools, ideas, curriculum, and networks that field study tour participants possess.
• The contributions of global-minded teachers to their school district and local community.

The Explorer Award winner will select the country or region of the world he/she will visit, and the type of tour, from various reputable programs for educators.

These are group programs focused on cultural exploration; they are not tourist-centered.

Examples

• The Association for Cultural Exchange conducted a tour to Albania, emphasizing archeology, in June 2009.
• The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College offered a travel seminar to Nicaragua in June 2009.

Entry Process

Stage One is a random drawing, an unbiased and inclusive method. Any full-time (as of September 1, 2010) K-12 teacher at Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School or within the Muscatine Community School District may enter the drawing that will determine ten finalists. Simply fill out the form. The entry deadline is midnight, September 15, 2010.

Stage Two involves only those ten people whose names are chosen in the random drawing. After verification of eligibility, they will be invited to submit applications for the Explorer Awards. Applicants will complete short-answer questions regarding experience and teaching strategies, include a lesson plan, and submit an essay addressing their interest in teaching about the world. The application deadline is November 8, 2010. A selection team of four qualified individuals who are not employed by the Stanley Foundation, Muscatine Community School District, or Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School will judge the (blind) applications. The winner will be announced on or about January 10, 2011.