Megan Davis – Educators of Excellence Institutes

“Back to School”

July 27, 2026 - 2 Comments

We began our day at Wetlands Country House & Shed in Wakkerstroom. We enjoyed a delicious made-to-order breakfast of eggs with our choice of sides.

We then traveled to UThandolwethu Day Care Centre which is the school that our two South African teachers, Eunice (4-5 year olds) and Mpumi (3-4 year olds) work at. We worked in groups to create and paint murals on different walls of the school, both inside and outside. Each group worked diligently to make the school walls vibrant and colorful for the school and community. It was a few hours of hard, yet rewarding, teamwork.

Pansy and Mpumi with the lion class (ages 3-4)

After painting, the school treated our group to a lunch on the school grounds. It was an unexpected and tasty treat! The staff and students danced for us and their joy was contagious. We had some time to interact with the students which was truly magical.

Before and after of one wall of the center.

Before leaving, we gifted the students cut up oranges as a special treat as well as 6 soccer balls, 5 playground balls, and a few of our group brought candy to pass out as well. The students loved seeing some of our Snapchat and TikTok filters, especially the shark and Shrek! Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were able to build connections through motions, dance, and technology.

New mural on the welcome wall of UThandolwethu Day Care Center

The end of the day ended with a hunt for meerkats and South Africa’s national bird- the blue crane. While it was too chilly for the meerkats to pop out, we did see four blue cranes. Their silvery blue color shimmered in the setting sun. We were also able to spot Sacred ibis, African swamp hen, yellow-billed duck, and otters on the way out. The wetlands did not disappoint!

Education and Love are universal languages.

Today reminded us exactly why we became teachers—not just to teach lessons, but to make every child feel seen, valued, and special. Even though we don’t speak their language, kindness, laughter, and compassion became our shared language. For a few hours, we didn’t feel as though we were visitors; we felt truly like we were part of their community and culture. That is a lesson we will carry with us long after this journey ends.

South Africa

“From the Wild to the Winding Road: Trading Roars for New Roads”

July 26, 2026 - 8 Comments

Today we said farewell to the incredible Kruger National Park, leaving behind unforgettable wildlife sightings and memories that will stay with us long after this journey ends. As we hit the road toward Wakkerstroom, our adventure shifted from safari to scenic exploration.
Our first stop was the beautiful Lowveld National Botanical Garden, where we enjoyed lunch surrounded by nature. We wandered through stunning landscapes, admired a breathtaking waterfall, and discovered an incredible variety of plants unique to South Africa. It was the perfect place to pause, reflect, and appreciate another side of this remarkable country.

Admiring the falls at the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels rivers at Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Back on the road, our conversations turned to South Africa’s rich history and diverse culture. As the miles passed by, we gained a deeper understanding of the people, places, and stories that have shaped this nation. Every discussion added another layer of meaning to the experiences we’ve already had.
The journey is far from over, and each destination continues to reveal something new. Buckle up—we’ve got plenty more adventures ahead, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Katie’s expert topic and new favorite plant: the cycad! Cycads are ancient plants that look like a palm but are more closely related to conifer trees. They are cone-bearing and considered “living fossils” because cycads have been around since the age of the dinosaurs!

Mpumi helps us select some fresh avocados from a roadside vendor to try.

South Africa

“Rhino Run-Around: a quest for the elusive armored beast”

July 25, 2026 - 9 Comments

At last! All of the big 5 have been identified, except the Rhino. We were incredibly anxious to encounter a rhino- today was our last full day in the park, and our last chance to find the elusive armored beast before our departure. Could we do it?!

There was dust in the air, there were bumps on the road, and the thick, green shrubbery would often hinder our efforts. It also seemed as if many other tourists on the roads were anxious to find the rhino too. Throughout the day we received many tips and Mr. David and Mr. Andrew, our expert guides, drove around tirelessly until at last (after many false-alarm rocks and trees) we spotted two White rhinos in the brush! There was much rejoicing.

In Africa, the sunset is not the end of the day, it’s the celebration of it. And so we wonder what the sunrise holds. Perhaps it’s not just the start of the day, but rather a promise of what’s to come. That’s the beauty of Africa. Maybe you’ll encounter the intensity of a pride of lions stalking their next buffalo meal or the jubilant puppy play of the wild dogs… whatever the case, South Africa does not disappoint.

White rhino, true grazers on grass, enjoy an evening meal and provide the very best evening entertainment after a long day of searching and learning.

South Africa

“Learning to Listen”

July 24, 2026 - 4 Comments

Friday, July 24:

We started the day having seen two of the Big Five with high hopes for seeing a rhino, Cape buffalo, and lion in our remaining time in the park. But we have already been wowed by many other amazing African animals, so we were excited for whatever encounters we have while in Kruger! Each of us are simply trying to take it all in while processing with each other. Such an amazing opportunity all around.

Half the group started the day at 5 am with a bush walk while the sun came up. We learned about animal tracks and poop while also being wowed by some wildlife sightings. We were so thankful to be guided by Pelsy (one of only about 15 female rangers in the park) and Lucky and to learn from their expertise. Pelsy started by sharing “We must allow the bush to communicate with us.” We hope we are good listeners!

The full group gathered together and packed to move to our next location in Kruger. Of course, riding through the scrub forest with passionate teachers takes a long time while we look for all the things we can absorb in the lowveld (the term for this low-lying, subtropical, semi-arid habitat).

The vans climbed to the top of Mathekenyane Lookout where we took in a panoramic view of the park. Dr. Christian Kammerer delivered a geology lesson for us on top of this big granite rock. Of course, 30 seconds in, we spotted warthogs chasing impalas and we were all distracted for a few minutes. But then we focused and learned from his expertise.
After more driving and animal sightings (including, finally an African hoopoe!), we stopped at Afsaal for lunch and a lesson on the Little Five through an improv skit created by Sayrd.

Back in the vans, traveling on, we were amazed by zebras running, giraffes eating, and a herd of Cape Buffalo resting in the bush! Number 3 for us of the Big 5!
After more driving and animal sightings (including, finally an African hoopoe!), we stopped at Afsaal for lunch and a lesson on the Little Five through an improv skit created by Sayrd.

Dr. Christian Kammerer teaches us about the geology of Kruger National Park

We arrived at Berg-en-Dal, our base for the next two nights, and got settled in to experience two more days of South African wildlife.

We are realizing that it isn’t about accomplishing a checklist of wildlife observations; but rather having an experience that will change us, make us better educators, and allow us to transfer knowledge and processes to our students.

South Africa

“Our first full day in Kruger…”

July 23, 2026 - 6 Comments

Today was our first full day at Kruger National Park. Half of our group started the day off with a bush walk. We were excited to see the tracks (footprints) of animals that had been there overnight. The other half goes tomorrow and is eagerly anticipating their turn!

Bush walkers #1, left to right: Pansy, Eunice, AJ, Viola, Sierra, Tokitha, and Sayrd with Rangers Pilot (left) and Lucky (right)

Some of the group members went out early and caught a gorgeous sunrise over the Sabie River! While eating breakfast, we saw several hippos and crocodiles on the river! One thing that immediately caught our attention was watching the hippo scatter-spray its dung, three times. Hippos use this behavior for a number of reasons: to mark their territory and communicate with other hippos, to help exclude parasites from their anus, and to break up large chunks of dung to expedite nutrient cycling in the environment. It was so exciting to see these creatures so close up! Check our reel on @ncmnsteachered on Instagram for a brief video (content warning!).

In the early afternoon, our whole group went to the Lake Panic Hide (an animal blind). We got the opportunity to observe crocodiles, hippos, the Egyptian Goose, a water monitor lizard (similar in size to an iguana), along with many other African animals in their natural habitats. It was exciting after we heard some splashing around the corner and turned to witness aggression between two crocodiles.

This evening we went on a sunset game drive and saw MANY creatures including: elephants (LOTS), giraffes, hyenas, bush babies, and a duiker (small antelope). During the drive, we learned how to distinguish between male and female giraffes. Male giraffes are typically larger and have thicker ossicorns, the horn-like structures in between their ears (that are usually bald because the hair has been rubbed off during aggressive encounters with other males). We felt like we were truly in South Africa today and have deepened our appreciation and connection for the incredible biodiversity found at Kruger National Park. We can’t wait to see what adventures await us tomorrow!

South Africa

“Our first safari adventure…”

July 22, 2026 - 5 Comments

Day 2: Our first full day in South Africa began bright and early with a delicious breakfast together as a group before setting out on the seven-hour journey from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. The drive gave us our first opportunity to see the beauty of the South African landscape while getting to know one another even better.

We stopped for lunch along the way, where we shared the haikus we had written and practiced using our binoculars in preparation for our safari. The excitement continued to build as we got back on the road, and before we even reached the park, we were greeted by a troop of baboons along the roadside—a reminder that wildlife is never too far away in South Africa.

Once inside Kruger National Park, the adventure truly began. We were incredibly fortunate to witness one of Africa’s most elusive animals—a leopard, during the golden hour. We watched in amazement as it gracefully walked through the bush, climbed a tree, and settled comfortably on a branch to rest. It was a breathtaking moment that many visitors wait years to experience.

Leopard sighting at dusk in Kruger National Park

The wildlife sightings didn’t stop there. We encountered a large group of giraffes stretching their long necks to feed from the treetops, herds of zebras grazing across the landscape, a curious warthog, dozens of impala, a few kudu (a larger antelope with giant ears), a few nyala (a striped antelope that prefers thicker brush habitat) and steenbok (a smaller, shy antelope), as well as a variety of beautiful birds that added vibrant color and song to the day.

As the sun began to set, we reflected on the unforgettable experiences we had shared before ending the evening with dinner together as a group. Our first safari exceeded every expectation and reminded us why South Africa is home to some of the most incredible wildlife on Earth. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

South Africa

“First Group Meeting”

July 21, 2026 - 0 Comments

Meet new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other’s gold. A circle is round that never ends, that’s how long I’ll be your friend.

We have arrived! We have met our new friends, and we are ready to sleep and learn.

South Africa

“Up, up, and away…”

July 20, 2026 - 3 Comments

After a delay due to storms in Raleigh we are on the way to Atlanta, and then a sprint through the airport to catch our flight to Johannesburg… stay tuned!

We’ve brushed up on our common birds of South Africa and are excited to start seeing them once we land!

A group of educators carrying luggage stands as a group in the airport. — The North Carolina contingent of the Educators of Excellence Institute to South Africa

Update: We made the flight to Johannesburg!! South Africa, here we come!

July 21, quick evening update: We made it to South Africa! Our plane touched down at 7:19pm (we are 6 hours ahead of home). Now on to customs, hotel check-in, and our first group meeting with our friends and colleagues from South Africa. We can’t wait!

South Africa

“Sawubona! Hello! But also… I see you.”

July 14, 2026 - 4 Comments

Three people walk along a grassy trail through the rolling hills of South Africa

Sawubona- “I see you”

We greet you today with the traditional Zulu phrase Sawubona. This single word, often mistakenly interpreted as a simple hello, in reality has a meaning that is much more nuanced and which translates more accurately to “I see you, and by seeing you, I bring you into being.” The Zulu translation and the way these phrases are exchanged by community members in South Africa reflect a deeper cultural norm, that to greet and see someone each day acknowledges their value as a person– the sum of their experiences, their strengths and weaknesses, their past and their future, their spirit, their voice. Three common responses:

Yebo, sawubona, —“Yes, I see you too”,

Shiboka —“I exist for you”, or

Ngikhona — “I am here”

… all reflect that by giving each person our full attention and presence we bring them into existence and give them value, worth, and dignity.

In less than a week, an intrepid group of 11 NC educators and three Museum staff will travel to South Africa, where we will be joined by two South African teachers before embarking on a journey together with our South African guides, Andrew and David. We invite you to join us— to join us in seeing each and every person (and animals, rocks or fossils, plants or trees…), and appreciating them for who they are.

In particular, today, we see and acknowledge our educators as they prepare for this journey of mind, body, and spirit. They have survived another school year, impacted countless student lives by challenging them to learn and be the good they hope to see in the world, and they are getting ready to selflessly leave their comfort zones to travel far from home so that they can learn, and bring back and share with their students and communities when they return.

Here are some of the ways we’ve been getting ready:

Wendy has been treating her clothes with Permethrin to ward off ticks and mosquitoes that we might encounter while exploring.

A row of clothes hanging out to dry after being sprayed with insecticides.

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” — Alexander Graham Bell

As Katie gets ready for her trip to South Africa, she’s also preparing for the start of a new school year. She’ll be missing the first four days with her new 8th graders, so she’s getting lesson plans ready and setting up her classroom before she leaves. Her bulletin board will feature some of the animals we’ll see and a map of her journey—something she looks forward to sharing with her students when she returns!

A bulletin board for an 8th grade class featuring African animals and a map of their teacher's journey.

Mrs. Katie Clemmons’ bulletin board is ready and waiting for her new students to arrive.

Yellowstone in Winter

“When One Adventure Ends, Another Begins”

January 17, 2023 - 1 Comment

Although we flew home today, we squeezed in one more adventure. With the help of Ranger Mike, we toured around Mammoth Hot Springs. We followed the snowy boardwalks as the sun rose over Mt. Everts to see the travertine terraces. Steam from the ever-changing geothermal features surrounded us as we listened to Ranger Mike use analogy and humor to educate the group. We compared the Upper Geyser Basin where Old Faithful is located to the Mammoth Hot Springs where we now stood. Ranger Mike explained the travertine terraces build up quickly but non-violently while the geyserite deposits of the Upper Geyser Basin build up slowly but can be violent.

After braving our coldest morning (2 degrees Fahrenheit) yet we packed up our luggage to head home to North Carolina. As we drove from the North Yellowstone Lodge in Gardiner, MT to the Bozeman Airport we continued to use our newly developed wildlife spotting skills. The group finally saw the eighth ungulate, the elusive white-tailed deer. Golden eagles, bald eagles, magpies, elk, ravens and a possible carcass party were spotted along our drive.

We arrived at the Bozeman Airport and had come to terms with our grand Yellowstone adventure ending. The once group of strangers knew our newly developed friendships and passion for education would continue to grow. The ideas of bringing Yellowstone to our own classrooms flew out of our mouths as we chatted about the past week.

Through this experience both our eyes and hearts were opened to the importance of conservation of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Our first national park, now 150 years old, is the home of various extraordinary species that need to be protected, studied and learned from. Through the continued preservation of this special place, future generations will have the opportunity to experience all the magical wonders Yellowstone for themselves.

Author: Megan Davis