Toyota International Teacher Program Now Accepting Applications for Costa Rican Study Program

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toyota International Teacher Program is now accepting applications from full-time middle and high school (7th – 12th grade) teachers of all subjects and librarians for its Costa Rica study tour.  Fully funded by Toyota, the program will provide educators with global, environmental and cultural learning opportunities, and will take place November 19 – December 3, 2011.  Application information is available at www.iie.org/toyota.

Now in its 13th year, the program has sent more than 600 educators from across the country to Costa Rica, Galapagos and Japan, completing a two-week study tour during which they learn about the environmental challenges each country faces.  Upon returning to their classrooms, teachers apply their learnings to the creation of interdisciplinary, hands-on, and solution-oriented educational approaches.

Program Overview

Funded by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Toyota International Teacher Program advances environmental stewardship and global connectedness in U.S. schools and communities. The program to Costa Rica will explore environmental and cultural preservation, biodiversity, and sustainability through a variety of site visits, discussions, lectures, and hands-on activities.  Program participants will have an opportunity to meet with local experts, visit schools and museums, and experience the rainforest first-hand.

The Toyota International Teacher Program values diversity and encourages educators of all backgrounds, subjects, and school types to apply for this unique professional development opportunity.  Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, employed full-time as a secondary classroom teacher or teacher-librarian (grades 7-12) and have a minimum of three years teaching experience.  The program is open to teachers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  

Quotes

"Toyota is proud to continue working with U.S. educators by providing them with the unique opportunity to explore Costa Rica and gain an understanding about the country's conservation practices. The global perspective teachers gain from this experience will create a sustainable impact and allow them to educate their students about the importance of environmental stewardship." – Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

"The Toyota International Teacher Program is a prime example of how impactful eco-study tours are in helping connect global environmental issues to lessons that program participants can teach in U.S. schools.  Thousands of students have benefitted from their teachers' experiences, fostering new environmental learning opportunities." – Dr. Allan E. Goodman, IIE President and CEO

About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion.  Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers which sold more than 1.77 million vehicles in 2009. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion.  Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen and focuses its support in the areas of education, the environment and safety.  Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.  For more information visit www.toyota.com, www.lexus.com, www.scion.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

About the Institute of International Education

An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1919, the Institute is the world's most experienced global higher education and professional exchange organization.  IIE designs and implements more than 250 programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government and private sources.  IIE also conducts policy research and provides advice and counseling on international educational opportunities abroad.  IIE has a network of 18 offices worldwide, over 800 college and university members and more than 5,000 volunteers.  For more information, visit www.iie.org or contact Mike McCartt at [email protected].

Links:

www.toyota.com/community

www.toyota4education.com

www.toyota.com

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.