I am traveling on an expedition through Southeast Alaska as a 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow onboard the National Geographic Quest with Lindblad Expeditions; my voyage is "Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness" and takes places in June 2024. I teach high school social studies in Ozark, Arkansas, where we are surrounded by nature; I know that my time in Alaska will include experiences that directly connect to my rural high school classroom and community, and I am excited to learn more deeply about the wonder of our world and the importance of our beautiful lands. In April 2024, I met in Washington, DC, with other 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellows. It was a wonderful time getting to know other educators who are deeply committed to lifelong learning. A dedicated Massachusetts science teacher, Rebecca Maynard, is the other 2024 Grosvenor Techer Fellow on my expedition. This website will be my blog throughout my journey. Thank you for following along with Jessica's Journey from Arkansas to Alaska!
Before the Journey to Alaska: The April 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Pre-Expedition Workshop in Washington, DC
The 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Pre-Expedition Workshop brought together 35 educators from the USA and Canada. This great group of educators has 2024 expeditions to locations including Alaska, the Arctic, Antarctica, the British Isles, Patagonia, Galapagos Islands, and Costa Rica. With an early June departure, my shipmate Rebecca and I will be the first fellows to travel in 2024! At our pre-expedition workshop we heard from naturalists, Lindblad representatives, National Geographic staff, photography experts, and more. We learned how to prepare for our voyages and are excited for the journey!
A warm welcome at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC, in April 2024.
Rebecca Maynard (left) and shipmate Jessica Culver (right) get to know fellow educators in Washington, DC.
Above: Studying a map of Alaska at National Geographic's DC headquarters.
Below: The National Geographic Quest, our expedition ship; photo courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.
Learning about our expedition at National Geographic headquarters, with my shipmate Rebecca.
Meeting at National Geographic headquarters in April, preparing for the expedition and fellowship.
My journey begins in Ozark, AR, located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.