In recognition of her commitment to geographic education, Teri Rutledge, a teacher at Villa Academy in Seattle was selected as one of the 2015 Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows. Every year, K-12 educators are encouraged to apply for this professional development opportunity that allows them to bring immersive geographic learning experiences back to their classrooms and communities. Teri is one of 35 highly respected educators from the United States and Canada to receive this honor.

Later this year, Teri will embark on a 10 day Lindblad voyage aboard the National Geographic Endeavor to the Galapagos Islands for a one-of-a-kind field experience, accompanied by Lindblad-National Geographic expedition experts. The expedition will provide Teri with new and exciting knowledge to bring back to Villa Academy and integrate into lesson plans.

Before the voyage, Teri will travel to National Geographic Society’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in hands-on workshops covering photography and outreach planning, and will have the opportunity to meet Lindblad Expeditions’ naturalists and to network with previous years’ Fellows.