Newton College & Career Academy Social Studies Trainer Rachel Jacobson has been selected to participate in Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program trip to Malawi, Africa in June 2013.

Jacobson began her teaching career six years ago at Alcovy High School. She has taught World History, Current Issues, United States History, and Government. This is her first year at the Career Academy. She currently teaches World History, United States History, and United States History Advanced. Jacobson has a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences, Master of Arts in Teaching and will graduate in May with an Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership from Mercer University.

The Group Projects Abroad Program will begin with a one week workshop in May and then a four week field trip to Malawi, Africa in June. The goals of the trip are to collect data for use in integrating environmental awareness and cultural competency into curricula in the classroom and to establish an ongoing collaborative online exchange program with a counterpart Malawian educator.

While in Malawi, the group will study the impact of ecology and environment on the culture and history of Malawi, work individually and in teams to develop lesson plans, and collect environmental and cultural artifacts in Malawi. The group will also have an opportunity to go on wildlife excursions, observe Malawian classrooms, local villages, and visit the US Embassy in Malawi.

This prestigious opportunity is also an exciting one for Jacobson and the Career Academy. Upon her return, she plans to share her experiences with the Social Studies Department and faculty of the NCCA.