I am glad to be part of the Hilton HHonors loyalty program for many years, as we can earn perks by staying at any of the ten Hilton Worldwide’s distinct hotel brands. This loyalty program as a part of Hilton Worldwide’s Travel with Purpose has put together a grant program, in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE). This program celebrates cultures and the power of travel that builds stronger communities.
Through this Teacher Treks Travel Grant Competition, 15 teachers will get to travel and experience first-hand the subjects they teach, enrich their curriculum, benefit the school, and inspire students to explore the world. Hilton HHonors has announced 30 finalists from 20 different states chosen by K-12 teachers and education experts after going through the applicants’ entries. We can vote for our favourite finalist until April 30th and win 1 of 10 Hilton HHonors $250 Gift Cards.
I believe teachers' play an important role in spreading understanding of other cultures daily and have a profound impact on their students’ lives. I think it is important for a good teacher to be well rounded and know about other cultures and countries, as teachers tend to influence our thinking. I have had many teachers from whom I have learned valuable lessons about the fun of learning and getting to know other cultures that led me to get my major in International Development Studies. As an educator myself, I think it is important for us to have a good understanding of the world so we can teach our students the facts.
Each of the finalist in their applications have given details of their travel dreams and engaging itineraries, which will help us to vote for our favourite. Some proposals that the applicants have given are:
-Attending the 4th annual Korea Wind Band Festival in Seoul to better understand the methodology and instrumentation of international wind bands or
-Learning the cultural and religious diversity of India or
-Travelling to Mexico or Egypt to learn the cultures.
15 winners from the finalist will receive a $6000 grant to travel to their destination and the school will receive $2500 for cultural activities. The 15 runners-up will get $2500 grants for their school and 1 winner from all the submissions will get a cultural excursion for their classroom valued at $1500. All the winners will be chosen in May after we vote for our own chance of winning 1 or 10 $250 Hilton HHonors Gift Card, so vote before April 30th.
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Wow, that sounds like a cool program and a great idea! Teachers who've traveled more can also encourage their students to travel and explore. :) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea Hilton!!
ReplyDeleteGreat contest! Thank you for sharing! I had no clue that the Hilton was involved in a venture like this!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a pretty awesome and wonderful program for teachers. To travel and experience and then to come back and share it with your students will definitely inspire them!
ReplyDeleteI agree, what a wonderful way for teachers to travel and then come back and share their experiences with students. I have read all of the essays and my favorite by far is Sandra K. She wrote that she would like to travel to the Indian Ocean islands of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania, and Mauritius, east of Madagascar “… to observe firsthand how the people on both of these islands – comprised of minorities and the meeting of cultures that have been in conflict in other parts of the world – have found ways to live side-by-side…”
DeleteWhat an admirable goal. I hope she is one of the winners.
That sounds so awesome for teachers! I think it's important for teachers to gain experience through travel so they can share with their students what they've learned :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds awesome and so beneficial. :) I bleed for travel. I think kids should explore the wonder of the world if they can.
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