Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship Grant

The Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship offers K-12 teachers from the U.S. an immersive two-week expedition in the Peruvian Amazon, collaborating with scientists and conservationists. Participants will gain valuable professional development and return as ambassadors for exploration, creating educational materials based on their experiences. This unique opportunity combines adventure with a commitment to environmental education, preparing teachers to shape future generations while exploring one of the world's most impressive ecosystems.

The Explorers Club Teaching Fellowship will send teachers on an immersive expedition into the Peruvian Amazon in the upcoming summer. In partnership with Andrés Ruzo, EC50 Class of 2022 and 2024 Recipient of the Lowell Thomas Award, TEC Teaching Fellows will spend 2 weeks in the Boiling River, as full-fledged expedition team members – working alongside local and international scientists, conservationists, and other professionals from various fields. Teaching Fellows will have the opportunity to receive professional development or continuing education hours with their schools.
Upon their return, Teaching Fellows will serve as ambassadors for The Explorers Club and exploration in the classroom, by hosting local explorers at their schools and creating lesson plans for The Explorers Club based on their experience in the Amazon. It is the ultimate goal of the program that these teachers will help to steer the future of education at The Explorers Club.
If selected to participate in this expedition, you will be spending between 10 to 14 days in the Peruvian Amazon at the Boiling River– a nearly 4 mile long thermal river flowing at dangerously hot temperatures! This is one of the most impressive ecosystems on Earth, but the heat, humidity, insects, thick jungle, and difficult terrain can be challenging.
Furthermore, this river and jungle is considered a sacred or spiritually significant site by many; and is in an environmentally sensitive area. You will be a full-fledged expedition team member– working alongside local and international scientists, conservationists, and other professionals from various fields. Team work, collaboration, cultural respect, open-mindedness, and following safety protocols are essential for a successful expedition.
Funding
International airfare as well as the 14 Day Expedition River are included in the fellowship.

Eligibility

Open to all current K-12 teachers based in the United States. We especially encourage teachers from public and Title I schools to apply.Please note that your time in the Boiling River will be physical. You should expect to carry a 20lb backpack for 4 hours and hike for at least 4 miles on uneven terrain. You will not have access to refrigeration.

Ineligibility

Travel insurance, incidentals, and personal spending are not included in the fellowship.