#United States #Washington D.C. #National Geographic #Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship #Nordic Expeditions

Celebrating 20 Years of Educational Exploration

In 2026, the National Geographic Society marks a significant milestone—the 20th anniversary of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. In celebration of this occasion, the society, in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions, will introduce a new group of 36 dedicated educators from across North America. This fellowship stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and education, elevating the teaching profession by connecting educators with some of the planet’s most breathtaking locales.

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, established in 2006, is supported through the Lindblad Expedition–National Geographic Fund. This initiative provides pre-K to 12 educators unique professional learning opportunities aboard state-of-the-art expedition vessels. The 2026 cohort will explore diverse locations including the Arctic, Europe, the Galápagos Islands, and the Southern Ocean. By participating in these immersive experiences, the Fellows enhance their geographic knowledge, which they will bring back to their classrooms, thus igniting curiosity and a love for discovery among their students.

Dr. Deborah Grayson, the chief education and community engagement officer at National Geographic Society, expressed her enthusiasm for the incoming cohort. "These educators embody the essence of exploration, bringing innovative teaching methods that inspire students to embrace an Explorer Mindset. Their varied backgrounds—from teaching chemistry in contexts shaped by Galápagos ocean research to weaving stories about Antarctic wildlife into creative writing—position them to nurture a generation of environmentally-conscious leaders," she stated.

This year’s cohort represents a rich tapestry of teaching experience, totaling over 570 years collectively. The group includes educators from 22 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, spanning various subjects ranging from science and geography to fine arts and foreign languages. Additionally, they teach in a wide array of environments, encompassing public schools, charter institutions, and non-traditional learning settings across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.

Lindblad Expeditions’ vice president of conservation, education, and sustainability, Amy Berquist, emphasized the importance of the fellowship. "We’re thrilled to welcome the next generation of Grosvenor Teacher Fellows, especially as we celebrate two decades of this incredible program. The inclusion of our first educator from Wyoming means we now have representatives from all 50 U.S. states and beyond. These experiences will not only enrich their teaching but also foster a sense of stewardship for the natural world in their students."

The 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellows include:

• - Alexandra Valen, Gunston Middle School, Arlington, Virginia
• - Allison Weller, Copiague Public Schools, Copiague, New York
• - Andrew Coburn, The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, Providence, Rhode Island
• - Kim Etsitty, Navajo Pine High School, Navajo, New Mexico
• - Joshua Chard, East End Community School, Portland, Maine
• - and many more from various states and schools.

Since its inception, the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship has selected 470 educators, helping transform the landscape of geographic education. Named after Gilbert M. Grosvenor, the program honors his decades of support for teachers and commitment to advancing geographic education in the U.S. and Canada. Notably, the expeditions offered to the Fellows were donated by Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder of Lindblad Expeditions, in recognition of Grosvenor's contributions to education.

Each Fellow undergoes a rigorous selection process before embarking on their transformative expeditions. In addition to gaining insights aboard the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions fleet, they share their expertise more broadly through webinars, resource development, and mentorship.

Applications for the 2027 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship will open in the coming fall, inviting new candidates to join this inspiring journey of educational exploration.

About National Geographic Society

The National Geographic Society, a global nonprofit, leverages science, exploration, education, and storytelling to protect our planet’s wonders. Since 1888, it has funded transformative ideas and adventurous individuals, impacting millions of students each year.

About Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is a leader in modern expedition cruising, offering immersive experiences that connect travelers with extraordinary ecosystems. Founded on the principle of sustainable exploration, the company provides unique itineraries designed to inspire a passion for nature and culture worldwide.