Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
KIM READ-SMITH San Pasqual Elementary Teachers Association Humanities/VAPA instructor "On our annual pilgrimage to decom- press, 10 teachers from Escondido went to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Here we are about to go down the Snake River on raging rapids. Left to right are: Bonnie Blanton, retired; our river guide, Alex; Lisa Gangel, first grade; Francis Juarez, kindergarten; Nicole Marshall, kinder- garten; Kim Read-Smith; Carol Schiefer, kindergarten; Kris McLaughlin, fifth grade; and Teri MacDonald, retired. " We went because a family at our school offered us their ski lodge in Jackson Hole as a thank-you for teaching their children. Our group grows closer every summer and more united in our sisterhood. This bond helps us through the school year when life gets tough." R ACHEL STAAB Glendale Teachers Association Special educator " Two of my colleagues and fellow GTA members and I went to Westhaven Children's Home near Montego Bay, Jamaica. We volunteered several days at this residential home for children and adults who have moderate to severe special needs. We played with them, sang to them, fed them, walked them around, and just gave them our presence. From left are Andrea Fay, speech-language pathologist; me; and Mary Ann DeWitt, school nurse at Col- lege View School." DARCY LONG United Teachers of Richmond Elementary technology coach "Here I am with in Zanzibar, East Africa, in front of Freddie Mercury 's childhood home, known as 'Mercury House.' Next was an eight-day safari through the Serengeti and five days in Rwanda, tracking mountain gorillas in Virunga with two close friends. As a member of a nature journaling group, my purpose was to observe and document the flora, fauna and other surroundings through both scientific and artistic lenses — and to practice my drawing and watercolor painting. My time with this group was transformational. The consistent daily practice of being present with what was right in front of me changed how I see the world, literally. The most unexpected discovery was how gen- tle, kind and thoughtful the people of Tanzania were." ive an educator a summer break, and they'll travel somewhere — to relax, work, learn. We received a robust response to our call to send in photos of you on break with your Educator magazines, and this year we noticed that more than a few members like to travel together. at proved to be the case with two of the contest winners, who each receive gift cards for school supplies. We also feature several Honorable Mentions. Keep an eye out for more educators with Educators in the next issue. Congratulations to the winners! Where in the World…? Winners of our Educators Are Everywhere contest G Winners 71 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 017 P H O T O C O N T E S T C