Did You Know?

The best way to earn professional development? Travel!

On top of the challenges teachers face in their classrooms daily, they also bear the task of demonstrating they’ve engaged in professional development activities to maintain their teaching certificate or license. The good news? All teachers traveling on WorldStrides programs can earn professional development points, clock/contact hours, or continuing education units (CEUs) toward their licensure renewal.

Teachers earn professional development for the work they put into preparing and facilitating their student travel programs. Doesn’t that sound more fulfilling than sitting through district meetings in August, joining a webinar in the evening after a full school day, or paying out-of-pocket to register for a class? Preparing for and traveling on a WorldStrides program is both meaningful and fun!

Earning professional development this way allows teachers to consider the specific needs of their classes, their students, and their school. By working closely with WorldStrides staff from start to finish, teachers gain valuable skills and tools they can implement beyond their travel program.

While developing the itinerary, teachers consider their school’s educational mission and the learning outcomes they’d like students to gain from their travel program. Working with a WorldStrides Course Leader during the program helps teachers connect the sites and experiences to their classroom instruction. Teachers also learn from the field educator on their tour, a content-area specialist who helps expand their experiential learning network. In addition, interaction with students on the travel program provides exchanges that celebrate various backgrounds, perspectives, and interests. Engaging with students outside the classroom helps build strong relationships, expand teachers’ understanding of students’ lives outside of school, and foster the soft skills students need beyond the classroom content.

The best part? The professional development is provided at no cost to traveling teachers! Start planning your travel program today, and ask your Account Manager how to request your certificate. Looking for more information or have questions? Check out the Academic Credit and Professional Development page on the WorldStrides website or email the WorldStrides Curriculum and Academics team at discovery@worldstrides.com.