STEM Teacher Learning from Finland & Estonia

Eliza Ramirez Start Date: Mar 11, 2019 - End Date: Apr 19, 2019
  • Finland
  • Estonia

My Travel Story

by: Eliza Ramirez Start Date: Mar 11, 2019 - End Date: Apr 19, 2019
Learn. Hope. Teach. This is my mantra as an educator. I’ve earned a Masters in Teaching through UChicago’s Urban Teacher Education Program, taken classes to earn middle school endorsements in all the core classes and ESL, as well as Spanish language bilingual approval, and earned National Board certification. In 2011, I was awarded a Golden Apple for Excellence in Teaching, and relished the opportunity to learn from some amazing educators. I completed fellowships with CFE and Teach Plus. I served as the First Vice-Chair of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators for an extended term, striving to bring the Academy together more often to learn together. Every step of the way, I reflected what I could bring back to my classroom to do the work I feel called to do: helping students find their voice, curiosity, and path through literacy and STEM.

So when the opportunity to learn from a world-renowned educational system arose, I had to register. You can help me bring innovative lessons to my classroom by donating!

I will be traveling with a group of teachers to learn from educators in Finland and Estonia for nine days. We will explore different facets of their educational system and do a deep dive into how coding, gaming, and robotics has been integrated into elementary and secondary classrooms. Our trip will include university workshops, classroom visits, round table conversations with Education Ministry officials and colleagues, and learning from their students. Your contribution toward $1200 will go toward the professional development cost of the trip (plus $60 goes to FundMyTravel).

Working in a Chicago Public School receiving Title 1 funds on the southwest side of Chicago, I’m particularly interested in research-based, student-centered practices I can bring back to strengthen our literacy classes and improve the integration of science, technology, and engineering. I believe my students deserve the best education possible, and learning from the best in the world will help me reflect and improve my practice. I plan to share my learning with other interested educators as well. Thank you for your consideration!
  • Finland
  • Estonia

Updates

3

  • Teacher Travel Itinerary

    Teacher Travel Itinerary
    This is our itinerary for learning in Finland and Estonia.
    Day 1- travel to London —> Helsinki, Finland
    Day 2- continue travel —> 5pm check in at hotel; settle
    Day 3- Helsinki city tour + Suomenlinna
    Day 4- Porvoo + Helsinki free time in afternoon/eve
    Day 5- “K-9” school visit + “middle school” visit
    Day 6- “middle school” visit + University of Helsinki + Oodi Library + Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia
    Day 7- Tallinn: school visits + Tallinn University seminars
    Day 8- Skype visit + Robotex + school visit
    Day 9- Lahemaa National Park
    Day 10- Tallinn City Tour + free time in Tallinn + 7:30pm ferry to Helsinki

    Help me get do all this awesome learning by donating or sharing with your networks! Thank you!

  • Nearly Halfway There!

    Nearly Halfway There!
    I’m so grateful for friends, former students, and colleagues who have donated so far! I’m nearly halfway there thanks to your generosity. My flight takes off in two weeks, and I’ll be posting updates as I arrive in Finland. I can’t wait to share what I learn! Please share this link bit.ly/FinlandFund with your networks to help me make it to 100%

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • Suomenlinna- UNESCO

    $ 35

  • Lahemaa National Park

    $ 60

  • Porvoo

    $ 35