​​Kathleen Mathis has been blazing the education trail lately. As a recent recipient of a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program award, Mathis will soon travel to Uruguay to meet students and teachers, visit schools of all ages, and get an understanding of their educational system. 

Mathis has constantly brought new and exciting lessons and experiences to the classroom, from Starbucks themed lessons to group escape room challenges. 

Year after year, Mathis has proved herself as one of the most dedicated and enthusiastic teachers in the building. 

Mathis sets off June 1st to begin her two week journey along with a group of teachers. Their goal is to answer guiding questions: What motivates students to pursue education past the mandatory age of eleven? and: How do Uruguayan schools promote literacy and achieve such a high rate?

“I am super excited, I love learning about new places, and I’m excited about the opportunity to improve my Spanish,” said IB Lang and Lit teacher Kathleen Mathis. “There are only two things I’m upset about: missing graduation of one of my favorite classes ever, and of course my family.”

After initial meetings with other teachers, teachers are traveling to more remote and rural areas or Uruguay. Mathis will be branching out into the rural area of Salto. 

“I’m ready to soak it all in and come back with a better understanding of their culture and education system, and to find ways to build relationships with them,” Mathis said.

After completion of the program in Uruguay, Mathis will be taking some extra time to explore and travel to other parts of South America such as Brazil and other places. 

Immersing herself in a new education environment can allow Mathis to understand new perspectives and experiences. In years past, Mathis has put forth an effort to connect her students with real world examples relating to their lessons. For years the English 10 department has done the “Taste of Nigeria” event where students can try traditional Nigerian food that relates to the text they read in class, Purple Hibiscus.

Mathis hopes to find ways to connect her findings from Uruguay with her students at AHS.

“I would love to find a way [for my students] to communicate with high schoolers in Uruguay,” Mathis said.

As a part of her program requirements, as well as personal interest, Mathis will be documenting her journey on her blog and instagram: @mathis_travels for other teachers who are interested in expanding their global ideas in the classroom, and students who are curious about AHS’s favorite teacher’s journey.