Tag Archives: Traveling Teachers

Educators participate in cultural exchange through Fulbright scholarships

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The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, which offers cultural-exchange programs for educators, is one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world. Photo credit: Fulbright Scholar Program

One of the most important missions of an educator today is to develop global citizens. What better way to do this than through a teacher-exchange program such as the prestigious Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board?

The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board is a US cultural-exchange program sponsored by the US Government’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was founded by US Senior William Fulbright in 1946 and is considered one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world. Since its founding, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from over 160 countries with opportunities to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to the complex challenges facing our communities and our world. These participants were chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential. More than 400 US educators teach overseas through the Fulbright Program annually.

Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, labs, and classrooms, Fulbright teachers share stories about their experiences and often become active supporters of continued international exchange, inviting foreign students to their campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

Fulbright alumni careers are enriched by joining a network of thousands of highly-regarded scholars, many of whom have become leaders in their fields. Notable Fulbright alumni include 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and 41 who have served as a head of state or government.

To learn more about the program, click on this link to the organization’s webpage: Fulbright Scholars.

 

A visit to Boston’s Old North Church offers a great learning opportunity

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Hal Marzell examines a statue of Paul Revere in the shadow of the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Most teachers would agree that travel, in addition to being fun and intellectually stimulating, is one of the most meaningful learning experiences available for both themselves and their students. And summer vacation is a great opportunity for travel! Recently, my husband and I returned from a vacation to Boston, Massachusetts. There we visited many sites of historical significance. One of them was the Old North Church, a site of historical significance since our nation’s Colonial times.

Constructed in 1723, the Old North Church is the oldest standing church building in the city of Boston. The place is famous for its role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, which took place on April 18, 1775. That night, the church’s sexton, Robert Newman, hung a signal lantern in the steeple which put Revere and other Colonial rebels on alert that British troops were on the move against the patriots. “One of by land, two if by sea,” says Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his famous 1860 poem about the event. The event precipitated the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which launched the American Revolution.

The Old North Church is famous for its role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, which precipitated the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Today, the Old North Church is one of 17 stops along the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half mile path that traces landmarks related to the birth of our nation. You and your students could benefit greatly from a stroll along this trail, and if you are able to do so in person, and a stop at this church is an absolute must. The church is located at 193 Salem Street in Boston, and there is an entrance fee of $5 per person to enter. If you are unable to escort your class in person, you can encourage your students to consult this official website, The Old North Church, or direct them to this website developed by The Freedom Trail Foundation.

No matter how you choose to explore this historic location, I wish you happy learning!

Explore the New Massachusetts State House, in person or virtually

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One of the best ways to create meaningful experiential learning experiences is travel. A great place to travel to is Boston, Massachusetts. In a city full of historical sites and fascinating museums, one of the most interesting is the New Massachusetts State House. Any state capitol building is fun to tour—and we have been to several of them—but the Massachusetts State House is one of the most beautiful, and is particularly steeped in early American history, so I would encourage teachers and students to visit this one especially.

The Greek Revival-inspired architecture and the golden dome of the New Massachusetts State House in Boston is graced by the equestrian statue honoring Civil War hero General Joseph Hooker. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The New Massachusetts State House is one of the oldest state capitol buildings currently in use. The structure, designed by 19th-century American architect Charles Bulfinch, is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among this architect’s finest works. In fact, the building was designated a national Historic Landmark for its architectural significance.

Located on the summit of Beacon Hill, the State House is easily recognizable by its Greek Revival-inspired architecture and its beautiful golden dome. The dome was originally constructed of wood, which was later covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802. In 1874, the dome was covered in a very thin layer of gold leaf, and that’s what gives it such a brilliant hue. Numerous statues of Massachusetts heroes can be found on the grounds, including an equestrian statue of General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War hero who fought on the Union side, and a bronze sculpture of President John F. Kennedy.

This beautiful House of Representatives chamber in the New Massachusetts State House is graced by lovely wood paneling and spectacular decorative elements. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The location of state government for over 200 years, the New Massachusetts State House is also a museum reflecting the history of the Commonwealth since it early beginnings in colonial times. The structure features nine historic spaces, including the Massachusetts House of Representatives and  Senate. Also highlighted are paintings, sculptures, stained-glass windows, artifacts, and decorative arts commemorating the people and events that helped to shape not only the Massachusetts Commonwealth, but also the nation.

The New State House is well worth a visit, but if it is not possible to escort your students on an in-person visit, you can encourage them to explore this excellent online virtual tour of the facility.

Whether you travel to the  New Massachusetts State House in person or virtually, I wish you and your students happy learning!

The USS Constitution offers opportunities in experiential learning

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Many educators would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is travel. Travel allows the student to fully experience a locale with all the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. And one of the most rewarding destinations for travel for both students and teachers is Boston, Massachusetts.

The author’s husband, Hal Marzell, explores the USS Constitution, often referred to by the nickname Old Ironsides. The ship is berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

My husband, Hal, and I made a pilgrimage to this historic city last month. There we visited many sites associated with our nation’s history. One of the places we toured is the museum ship named the USS Constitution. This venerable ship is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a US National Historical Landmark.

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest ship still afloat. Launched in 1797, the vessel is best known for its action during the War of 1812. During this conflict, the crew of the Constitution‘s defeated no less than four British frigates during three separate battles. She accomplished this feat with only 44 canons! One of these engagements was against the HMS Guierriere, a formidable foe boasting 100 guns. During the battle, it appeared as if the enemy’s cannonballs could not penetrate the Constitution‘s strong oak hull, and that’s how she earned her nickname Old Ironsides.

Author Terry Lee Marzell explores the deck of the USS Constitution, experimenting with turning the ship’s large helm. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

Still fully-commissioned by the US Navy, the ship is manned by a crew of 75 officers and sailors on active duty. During the hours the vessel is open to the public, some of these sailors serve as interpretive historians and are available to answer questions and ensure public safety, if any teacher is able to escort a class to the site for a visit.

The USS Constitution is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Admission is free. A museum is also located on the grounds and provides engaging and hands-on experiences for visitors. Here students can explore how the ship was built, sailed, and preserved. If you are unable to escort your class on a tour of the ship, your students can explore the following website:  USS Constitution.

Whether you and your students visit the site in person or online, I wish you happy learning!

JFK Presidential Library offers learning opportunities for your students

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Most teachers would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is visiting museums. And among the finest museums to visit in order to learn about American history is a presidential library. These museums, administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), feature historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and, often, Oval Office reproductions. There are 13 presidential museums and libraries within the NARA system that would make an excellent field trip for you and your students.

Hal Marzell prepares to enter the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Recently, on a vacation to Boston, my husband and I visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located in Columbia Point, Massachusetts, near the campus of the University of Massachusetts. The building which houses the museum is impressive. The facility was designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei, who was personally selected by Jackie Kennedy for the project. The structure, which faces Dorchester Bay, features a glass pavilion filled with natural light and a gorgeous view.

The exhibits contained within the structure include artifacts from Kennedy’s campaign trail, the 1960 Democratic Convention, the US Space Program, the Peace Corps, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a replica of Kennedy’s Oval Office with a reproduction of the famous Resolute desk, gifts received by the president while on tour in Ireland, select articles of clothing belonging to Jackie Kennedy, and a reproduction of the office Robert F. Kennedy used while serving as the country’s Attorney General. Also on display is the president’s  25-foot sailboat Victura. Throughout the museum movie screens are available showing video clips of Kennedy’s most important speeches and other milestones and aspects of his life and presidency.

Terry Lee Marzell examines an exhibit depicting the 1960 Democratic Convention where John F. Kennedy was declared the party’s candidate for president. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

The interiors of the museum are dignified and the displays are elegantly displayed, but to be honest, other presidential libraries contain many more exhibits and artifacts. I think the reason why this collection seems comparitively small is because Kennedy’s was a short presidency, and possibly the family held on to many of the president’s personal possessions for sentimental reasons. Nevertheless, arranging a visit to this library and museum for your students would be well worth the effort. If an in-person visit is not possible, your students can access a virtual tour on this website: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

Whether you visit the site in person or online, I wish you and your students happy learning!