Wentzville Teacher Heading to South Africa

Elaine Sims, a Horizons teacher at , has been selected to participate in the Toyota International Teacher Program in South Africa this summer.

The program currently sends teachers to the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica and now South Africa. The programs focus on ways in which U.S. teachers can incorporate global and environmental education into their classrooms and communities.

“The idea of the program is to get teachers excited and engaged in teaching their students about environmental issues,” said Sims. “I think that by actually going there and seeing those things first hand, I become a better tool for my students to make those kinds of connections.”

The program will provide teachers first-hand exposure to the social and environmental complexity of South Africa, and focus on sustainable development and emphasize the links between history, culture, power, and the environment.  Teachers will explore the country’s natural and cultural diversity through a range of site visits and hands-on activities.

“Nothing has ever grabbed me like this opportunity did,” said Sims, who has taught in the for 14 years. “I’m just flabbergasted that I get to go, I’m so excited!”

Sims was one of only 24 teachers who were selected from over 1,000 applicants to participate in the inaugural program to South Africa, scheduled for July 24 – August 10.