School librarians: travel to Costa Rica…all-expenses paid

The Toyota International Teacher Program is accepting applications through May 4, 2011, from full-time middle and high school (7th – 12th grade) teachers of all subjects as well as librarians for its Costa Rica study tour. Teachers and librarians explore the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica and learn about environmental and cultural preservation. They also explore themes of sustainable resource use and biodiversity conservation through site visits, discussions, lectures and hands-on activities. While in Costa Rica, program participants meet with local experts, visit schools and museums, and experience the rainforest first-hand. Participants get exclusive access to Costa Rica’s premier scientists as well as environmental and cultural organizations. A highlight of the study visit are the school visits. Participants are invited to rural Costa Rican primary and secondary schools to spend the day observing classes and interacting with teachers and students. Funded by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the Institute of International Education, the program will provide educators with global, environmental, and cultural learning opportunities and will take place November 19 – December 3, 2011. Toyota will cover all expenses related to the program, including materials, transportation, meals, and lodging, as well as a $500 stipend for each participant’s school to help defray the costs of their absence during the school year. The Toyota International Teacher Program values diversity and encourages educators of all backgrounds, subjects, and school types to apply for this unique professional development opportunity. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, employed full-time as a secondary classroom teacher or teacher-librarian (grades 7-12) and have a minimum of three years teaching experience. The program is open to teachers in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Learn more about the program and how to apply at http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Toyota-International-Teacher-Program.