National Teacher of the Year!

I’m excited to tell you that People to People Ambassador Programs is now a program sponsor for the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award! We’ve partnered with the program—the oldest and most prominent national honors program for educators—because of their focus on teaching excellence. You can learn more about this new partnership here. I believe that one of the many reasons our programs are recommended over and over by our alumni is our amazing teachers, and I can’t think of a better way to honor them.

Honoring the Teacher of the Year in Washington, D.C.
The 2010 National Teacher of the Year will be honored by President Obama during a series of events at the White House this week. I’m excited to go to Washington, D.C., along with my husband, Jeff; People to People International president and CEO Mary Eisenhower; and Rafer Johnson, Ambassadors Group board member and Olympic gold medalist. I know that Mary especially is looking forward to re-visiting the White House. She hasn’t been back since 2004 and has many wonderful childhood memories of being there with her grandfather.

I am very much looking forward to meeting the recipient of the National Teacher of the Year award, along with the nominees. Our organization is all about bringing learning to life, and these wonderful teachers accomplish just that every day. Perhaps we will soon welcome some of them into the fold as leaders for People to People Ambassador Programs! We have trained over 5,000 teachers to lead educational travel experiences, including former National Teacher of the Year nominees and recipients.

At our recent leadership conference, and I had the opportunity to talk to our teacher leaders about the challenges they face in their jobs, keeping learning fresh and exciting for students. At People to People Ambassador Programs, we believe that the more cultural experiences you have, the more you can share with your students and the greater your impact on their future success.

2010 Travel Season Kick Off
We are about to kick off the 2010 travel season, headed to 47 countries on all seven continents. We’re so excited to launch these journeys. I know that my attendance at the National Teacher of the Year festivities will only increase my awe of the teachers who will lead this summer’s programs. Their passion to give each student traveler a life-changing experience inspires me in my own daily work.

I think that there is no better job than one that expands the horizons of our young people. Together with our leaders, we at People to People Ambassador Programs are helping students to gain a global perspective that will enable them to better compete in the world while they develop long-lasting friendships and memories.

Wishing you success in fulfilling your own dreams,

Peg Thomas
President, People to People Ambassador Programs