I am a Fund For Teacher Fellow 2019!

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Fund for Teachers Mission:
Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers' self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities.  

In January 2019, I submitted an application to FFT for a shot at an opportunity of a lifetime. My proposed fellowship was to attend the CPI Spanish Immersion School while staying with a host family in Costa Rica to more effectively communicate with my English Language Learners and their families, to promote bilingualism, and to engage students and parents in culturally-responsive learning experiences in mathematics, science, and literature.

After my submission, FFT was never far from my mind. I was so excited about the potential to learn Spanish in Costa Rica, but I was not quite sure it would become a reality. On April 4, 2019, I was to be notified via email whether I received the fellowship or not. I checked my email when I first got up. Nothing. I checked several times throughout the morning. Still nothing. Then, when my third-grade students were deep in the middle of taking the very important MAP Diagnostic Test, I saw an email notification pop-up saying "Congratulations!" I wanted to shout and scream excitedly, but I had to keep it all in so my students could continue to focus on their test. I swear I was about ready to burst! Finally, I was able to share the fabulous news with others.

The 2018-2019 school year concluded last Friday, May 24. I am now packed and ready to leave. First my husband, John, and I are in San Diego as I am attending a Google Certified Educator conference May 29-31. Then, I will fly out of San Diego on Saturday, June 1.

Here is a brief outline of my trip:
  • 6/1 - Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica
  • 6/2 - Playa Flamingo (beach)
  • 6/9 - Monteverde (cloud forest)
  • 6/23 - Heredia (suburban town near San Jose)
  • 6/29 - Return to Las Vegas
I will keep you posted with the many adventures I have in Costa Rica! 

Comments

  1. JacobsMay 30, 2019 at 8:44 PM

    Congratulations!! We are so happy for your exciting opportunity. We look forward to reading more about your adventure. The Jacob Family

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl HeldtJune 8, 2019 at 12:20 PM

      Caydin, I hope your baseball is going well. On my way to Brasilito, we drove by a very small, not fancy field with boys younger than you playing on it. I actually haven't seen very many young children here. It is a very small town right next to the Pacific Ocean.

      Delete
  2. UnknownMay 30, 2019 at 9:01 PM

    Buen viaje!!! Can't wait to follow your adventure! Learn alot and ENJOY! Camilla Mendez & family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl HeldtJune 8, 2019 at 12:18 PM

      Camilla, did you get to go to Mexico? I hope you are having a great summer.

      Delete
  3. UnknownJune 3, 2019 at 12:36 PM

    I will be living vicariously through you this summer!

    -Amber Curran

    ReplyDelete
  4. Cheryl HeldtJune 8, 2019 at 12:18 PM

    Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am. It is an amazing experience.

    ReplyDelete

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