Laurel Mountain Elementary School Coordinator for Enrichment and the Environment Trevor Hance has been selected as one of this year’s Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows in recognition of his commitment to geographic education.

Hance was one of 40 educators selected from across the United States and Canada to participate. During his time as a Fellow, he will embark on global expeditions on board the Lindblad Expedition ships National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endeavour ll and National Geographic Sea Lion for a hands-on experience for professional development.

Each year, pre-K–12 educators are encouraged to apply for the one-of-a-kind professional development opportunity. The group of Fellows will enhance their geographic learning through direct, hands-on field experience and bring that knowledge back to their classrooms and professional communities.

“I am honored to be included among these teams of educators, government and corporate leaders, and researchers who are doing such amazing work across the country and around the world,” Hance said.  “Being able to relate these experiences to students provides a powerful opportunity, and I can’t wait to see the look on their faces as they realize that their work at Laurel Mountain Elementary is part of a global culture of people who are exploring, challenging, and communicating a desire for a more informed, stronger, and better tomorrow.”

As part of their professional development, Hance, along with the other Fellows, will embark on expeditions to locations including the High Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, Southeast Alaska, Arctic Svalbard, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Galápagos Islands. Accompanied by Lindblad-National Geographic expedition experts, ranging from undersea specialists to National Geographic photographers, the Fellows will experience landscapes, cultures, and wildlife unique to their regions of exploration.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellow Program has been in place for 12 years and was established to honor former National Geographic Society Chairman Gilbert M. Grosvenor’s lifetime commitment to geographic education. The program began with two Fellows in 2007 and had grown each year.

“Grosvenor Teacher Fellows are an integral part of National Geographic’s work to achieve a planet in balance,” said Mike Ulica, interim president and CEO of the National Geographic Society. “Educators like these Fellows ensure that students are equipped with geographic knowledge and global awareness, empowering the next generation to create solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future.”