* This is a sponsored post, courtesy of Hilton HHonors
As I think back on my education I can fondly remember several teachers who I feel had a profound influence on me and will always stick with me. There are a few however who really stand out above the rest. A couple of my favorites were my junior high Art teacher Mr. Rauschenfels who taught me to really look at things in art and how to recreate them, especially when drawing. Some of the techniques he taught have always stuck with me. Another favorite was my high school history teacher who’s name escapes me at this time, but he really made me feel welcome when I moved to a new school. But by far, my favorite teacher ever was my fourth grade teacher Mr. Brusse.
Mr. Brusse was young, I think we were his first class out of college. What I remember about him is that he made learning fun. He was lively and active and I will always remember him talking about why your stomach growls as your stomach muscles contract and say “I’m Hungry”. I know it doesn’t have the same effect as I sit here and write it, but trust me, he had the whole class laughing and we made him repeat it many times after that day. He bribed us with a “party” every Friday afternoon if we got everything done. We lived for those “parties” where we would simply each bring in a snack from home and have free time with our friends for a little bit at the end of the week. It made us all want to be on our best behavior. I had so much fun that year, but I learned a lot too because he was so engaging for all of us.
I hope that as my children go through school they are fortunate enough to have teachers like I did that really touch their lives and make them hungry to learn. I hope their teachers keep it fun, interesting and always engaging.
Teacher Treks Travel Grant Competition
Hilton HHonors, the loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 10 distinct hotel brands wants to support great educators like these by sending 15 teachers to international destinations to learn first hand about the subjects they teach. Through the Teacher Treks Travel Grant Competition the teachers selected will receive a $6,000 grant to travel to a destination of their choice to learn more about their subjects and other countries cultures and teaching techniques. They will also help out their schools by providing a $2,500 grant to the winning teachers schools for cultural activities and enhancements. 15 runners up will also receive a $2,500 grant for their schools.
Vote for Your Favorite Teacher
The competition has been narrowed down to 30 finalists from 20 different states and now through April 30, 2013 you can vote for your favorites! You can cast one vote per day during the voting period and the best part is that your vote also counts as an entry. 10 random voters will win a Hilton HHonors Gift Card valued at $250.
Disclosure: I received compensation for this post however all thoughts remain 100% my own.
Nick says
Very cool!
Janet W. says
What a great prize! I’m a retired teacher, but I know plenty of current teachers that deserve this!
Robin O says
What a great program! I’m sure there are many deserving teachers in the competition, but I will check out the finalists and vote. Thanks for sharing!
Tammy S says
This is a super program. I wish more companies gave back to teacher’s with programs like this. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah L says
Teachers deserve more recognition and pay than they currently get.
joanna garcia says
i loe that this company is honoring fantastic teachers! i also had various ones throughout my life that if it wasn’t for them i would not be where i am today!
Teresa Herrera-Honores says
YAY!! love when there are programs like this for teachers, there are some great ones out there that need to be recognized1
ColleenMarie82 says
voted! fun idea I enjoyed reading about all the teachers.
Ashley D says
I am a finalist! Please read my entry 🙂 My students and I are so excited to have this opportunity!!
David says
I have read all of the essays and my favorite by far is Sandra K. I love how she says that as a reading teacher, she has always promoted books as powerful and accessible means for students to travel. She would like to travel to the Indian Ocean islands of Zanzibar, just off the coast of Tanzania, and Mauritius, east of Madagascar “… to observe firsthand how the people on both of these islands – comprised of minorities and the meeting of cultures that have been in conflict in other parts of the world – have found ways to live side-by-side…” I hope she is one of the winners.