UNITE Teacher Exchange

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UNITE is a project of the North Carolina Zoo which establishes extraordinary partnerships between schools in Uganda and North Carolina to advance conservation education. International teacher exchanges bring outstanding educators together to share methods and develop new curriculum that explores the common themes that affect us all.
UNITE promotes action-oriented conservation projects, encourages cooperation and fosters appreciation for our different cultures. Students from NC and Uganda learn about each other’s lives and natural environments–promoting good stewardship of the earth.
UNITE motivates teachers and inspires students to think globally and act responsibly. It brings the joy and rewards that come from personal connections across cultures.

What are the Goals of the International Teacher Exchange?

Engage teachers in developing lessons that explore cultural, economic, social and environmental connections and differences between Uganda and North Carolina.
Improve teachers’ abilities to facilitate student-centered, cross-curricular investigations relative to conservation education.
Prepare students to think globally when making personal decisions for their own and the planet’s future.
Assist Ugandan schools, that have few resources, to acquire basic learning materials and improve facilities.

What UNITE Provides:

Training to improve conservation education in Uganda and North Carolina
Annual teacher exchange opportunities
Cooperative UNITE workshops in Uganda
Opportunities for NC families to host
Ugandan visitors
Limited student internships
Donations of technological tools
AlphaSmarts, Apple computers, solar calculators, etc.

Who can Participate in the International Exchange Component?

The UNITE Project benefits greatly from building teams of energetic, creative teachers from diverse backgrounds and a range of grade levels. Preference is given to educators with strong administrative, school-wide and community support. Strengths in leadership, teamwork and adaptability are essential.

What are Participants Required to Do?

Teacher participants are expected to:

Attend all pre and post trip planning and curriculum development meetings (dates are listed on application form.)
Assist with facilitation of UNITE workshop in Uganda (specific roles to be determined by team members).
Implement and evaluate UNITE curriculum, including student-centered, cross-curricular projects, within their classrooms, grade levels and throughout their schools, as feasible.
Utilize the “Field Trip Earth” website www.fieldtripearth.org as a curricular resource (Field Trip Earth is a $250,000 IMLS grant-funded project of the N.C. Zoo Society)
Work to establish on-going communication between NC and Ugandan schools to facilitate student motivation to learn and care about each others cultures, environments and lives.
Share information about the project from a personal perspective with others in their school systems, communities and at professional conferences.
Serve as mentors to other educators
Participate in fund raising to assist Ugandan schools with acquiring basic learning materials and improvement of facilities.

What is the Cost to Participants?

Travel expenses (air and ground transportation, lodging, most meals and park entry fees in Uganda) total approximately $3,000 per traveler. The NC Zoological Society covers most of these costs; however, each participant is asked to donate a minimum of $500 towards the price of their airfare. This contribution is due any time prior to departure for Uganda. (If you are willing to make a larger personal contribution, seek sponsorship or grant funding - please indicate on your application.)
Participants are responsible for the cost of substitute teachers, passports & visas, inoculations, some meals in airports and in London, telephone calls, laundry and other personal items.
Travel expenses associated with pre and post trip meetings at the Zoo are not reimbursed.

How do I Apply?

To apply for the 2006 workshop in Uganda:

Review the UNITE Information for Teachers.
Complete the UNITE Application for Teachers form.
Mail application to:
UNITE Selection Committee
N.C. Zoo Education Division
4401 Zoo Parkway
Asheboro, NC 27205
Ask your Principal to complete the confidential UNITE Principal Recommendation form
Submission is separate from the application form and should be mailed to the same address.

Deadline

Deadline for submission is June 1, 2005. Notification of selection will occur by July 1, 2005.

Questions About the Project?

Contact Sherry Adams: use this form or call 336-879-7717.

Donate to the UNITE project

Help the Zoo carry its messages for conservation around the world by donating to the project.

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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.

The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.