Teacher to join expedition to Galapagos

SCOTTSDALE - An Arizona teacher has been selected from nearly 1,000 U.S. applicants to participate in an environmental expedition to the Galapagos Islands, a designated World Heritage site off the coast of Ecuador, as part of the Toyota International Teacher Program.

Susan Cullumber, 48, a science, mathematics and arts teacher from Howard Gray Education Center in Scottsdale, will participate in the international study tour Nov. 22 to Dec. 6. The tour for secondary teachers of all disciplines focuses on promoting environmental conservation and sustainability, as well as international understanding.

Cullumber is also a local photographer who has been published in National Geographic and Parade magazines. Part of her commitment to this program is to provide a community impact plan to share what she learns with the community.

While in the Galapagos, Cullumber will photograph the biological diversity of the islands, environmental issues affecting the area, and the people and culture of the islands. She will share this experience in a photography exhibit upon her return starting at the Wendy Paine O'Brien Center in Scottsdale, a nationally recognized treatment center for adolescents, and the location of the Howard Gray Education Center.

Prior to departure, teachers will gather at Everglades National Park in Miami for a brief orientation and exploration of the Everglades biosphere, which is similar to the Galapagos Islands.

While in the Galapagos, Cullumber and her fellow teachers will be joined by Galapagueno teachers on a three-day study cruise to explore the remote islands of Espaņola, Floreana and Fernandina, and will spend time on the main islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. They will observe environmental projects, exchange ideas with expert and community leaders, and participate in activities that encourage global environmental conservation and protection.

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