Teacher Show Me the World

Today’s guest is  Matt Paneitz , the founder of  Long Way Home (LWH) . His work has earned global recognition and created one of the best service-learning opportunities available for teachers and students. His Story Before founding Long Way Home, Matt was a  911 Paramedic  and later served in the  Peace Corps (2002) . After completing his service, he launched LWH and helpe...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I sit down with Stefanie Lachenauer , middle school educator, author, mindfulness teacher, and the 2025 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year . Stefanie’s work centers on helping both students and educators cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and emotional regulation—skills that are essential in today’s classrooms. We talk about her neuroscience-based a...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I sit down with Iuri Melo , Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse , a nationwide program that helps students, parents, and educators strengthen their mental and emotional well-being through daily encouragement, optimism, and practical mindset tools. What makes Iuri’s approach so unique is how he brings learning outside...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I sit down with Wells Jones — adventurer, storyteller, and co-author of A Line in the Sand — for an unforgettable conversation about what it truly means to explore the world. From Navy Pararescue missions in Antarctica to mountaintop reflections and cultural crossroads around the globe, Wells has lived a life defined by curiosity and connection. We ta...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lily Fu , a lifelong educator and global leader whose story is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Lily grew up surrounded by education—her parents were both teachers in Taiwan—and from a young age, she carried that same passion into her own teaching career in Japan and Taiwan. But her journey didn’t...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I share unforgettable experiences from Southern Africa and Sicily. From visiting a school in Zimbabwe to sunset cruises on the Zambezi, and from climbing Mount Etna to exploring crystal-clear Sicilian waters, I break down the lessons, logistics, and takeaways that teachers can use when planning their own student trips abroad. Episode Highlights: South...

🌍 Show Notes for Website In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I’m sharing lessons from my own summer of travel. After logging miles across continents, I’ve collected tips, strategies, and stories that I know will help you as you plan and lead student trips abroad. From packing smart to debating whether parents should come along, this episode is all about real-world takeaways from the ro...

In this exciting second episode with Carolyn Swaney, we dive into the powerful strategy of using student ambassadors to promote your student travel program. Carolyn shares her proven methods for selecting and empowering students who will work to recruit their peers and help build excitement around your trips. This approach not only strengthens the community within your travel program but also crea...

If you’ve ever organized a big trip with a lot of students, you know how tricky it can be, especially when you’re managing two buses full of excited travelers. In today’s episode, I’m joined by the amazing Serena Lovin , who shares her expertise on everything you need to know about organizing double bus tours. We dive into how to recruit enough students, manage the logistics, and make sure everyon...

In this episode, we sit down with Carolyn Swaney, an experienced educator, to discuss how to handle medical emergencies while traveling with students. From pre-trip preparations to responding to emergencies on the ground, Carolyn shares essential tips for ensuring student safety abroad. Key Highlights: Pre-Trip Preparation: Learn what steps Carolyn takes before the trip to ensure preparedness, inc...

Episode Overview: In this episode, I sit down with Sara, an experienced group leader who shares a valuable story about the importance of travel insurance and how to navigate flight delays with student travelers. Sara recounts a challenging experience where her group's flight was canceled, and how she had to manage the situation while ensuring her chaperones—who were traveling on a separate flight—...

Episode Overview: In this episode, I interview Stefanie, an educator who takes her students on enriching and impactful trips that align with her curriculum requirements. Stefanie exclusively organizes Service Learning Trips, STEM Tours, and Summit Leadership Conferences for her students, and in this conversation, she shares the incredible value these tours bring to both her students and their lear...

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Stefanie who runs an incredibly successful non-school sponsored travel program at her school. She shares her journey of building this program from the ground up, including how she recruits students, engages with parents, and uses social media to create a thriving travel community. We dive into the benefits of running a travel program that’s no...

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned group leader who shares a real-life experience from a recent tour, where one of their travelers lost their passport in a foreign country. With international travel often being unpredictable, it’s a scenario that could happen to anyone. We explore the steps, decisions, and emotions involved in handling such a stressful situation while also ensuring the r...

In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Sklar for an engaging conversation about how teachers can create enriching, educational experiences for their students before, during, and after a trip abroad. Stacey shares her expert advice on how to go beyond just being a trip leader and instead, actively design learning opportunities that make the most of each moment. We dive into how teachers can build...

In this episode, I sit down with the dynamic Marah Walsh, founder of the EF Group Leaders Facebook page and a passionate full-time travel agent. Marah’s story is a testament to following your passion and making bold career shifts. She begins by sharing her unique journey from a successful marketing career to becoming a leader in the travel industry. With a love for exploring the world, Marah has v...

Welcome to a special one-year anniversary episode of Teacher Show Me the World ! In this milestone episode, I reflect on the incredible growth of the podcast and shares five game-changing New Year’s resolutions for taking international trips with students to the next level in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting to think about taking students abroad, these practical resolution...

In this festive episode of Teacher Show Me the World , I dive into seven fun and engaging ways to teach your students about Christmas traditions from around the world. Whether you're gearing up for a teacher-led student trip abroad or just want to bring global holiday cheer into your classroom, I share practical resources to get your students excited about the season. From creating worksheets that...

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World , first-time group leader Angela reflects on her experience leading a trip for the first time. With enthusiasm and honesty, she shares everything she learned—from what worked well to what she'd change for her next trip. If you’re a teacher or educator considering leading a group trip, Angela's insights, tips, and lessons are invaluable for ensuring a sm...

It’s that time of year! If you haven’t already, its time to host your first informational travel meeting for your upcoming trip. The big question is…what topics should you cover at your first meeting. This weeks podcast will take you through the Top Ten Topics to Cover at Your First Travel Meeting. I will cover everything from fun Get-to-Know-You Activities to a A Traveler’s Christmas Wish LIst to...

Welcome to this week’s episode, where we dive into Five Essential Travel apps every teacher should consider for enhancing student tours abroad. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks or embarking on interactive adventures, these apps will elevate your experience and engage your students in unique ways. Join us as we highlight five standout travel apps that cater specifically to the needs of...

When it's time to recruit students for my next adventure, I start right from the first day of school. In this episode, I guide Group Leaders through my recruitment process for trips. From the initial day of school to the first recruitment meeting, you'll discover the different stages involved in promoting my tours, selecting which students can participate, and ultimately persuading parents to enro...

If you haven't yet thought about taking your students to Southeast Asia, now is the perfect time to consider this hidden gem for your next adventure. Perhaps you've already booked this tour and will soon travel with your students, eager to learn more about the itinerary and how to prepare them. Don't worry; we will cover all of that and more in this episode, so be sure to stay tuned until the end....

Choosing an itinerary for your students can feel daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the destination. However, if you’re thinking about taking your students to Japan, this episode is an absolute must-listen! I had the wonderful chance to interview, Gemma, a fellow group leader who has traveled extensively throughout Japan. She recently took her students there and plans to return in 20...

It's that time of the year - pumpkin spice fever is here, football madness is in the air, and it's time to brainstorm your next big adventure with your students. When pondering your next trip, choose wisely. In this week's podcast, I'll spill the beans on the 8 Steps I follow when planning my next student adventure. When planning your next travel destination, it's crucial to carefully contemplate...