educators – Educators of Excellence Institutes

“Bittersweet”

August 2, 2026 - 0 Comments

Our last meal around a family table together.

Saturday dawns and it feels bittersweet all around. We are so thankful for all the rich, meaningful experiences we’ve had in South Africa – both as we have interacted with the environment and with each other. It feels sad to leave and walk away from this magical slice of time. And yet it feels sweet to know we have started our journey towards home. We look forward to reunions with family and friends.

But any sadness we felt quickly dissipated as we walked into joy and celebration. Soon after leaving Golden Gate National Park, we attended the Basotho New Year Celebration at the Basotho Cultural Village. We were greeted with warm welcomes, traditional snacks handed to us, and lots of singing and dancing. The hundreds of people there celebrating (we were the only obvious tourists) were wearing gorgeous traditional clothing and wrapped in blankets. We enjoyed the opportunity to both observe and engage, ask questions, and see traditional housing. The Basotho people proudly celebrated their culture. Such joy!

Such a beautiful, festive celebration we felt privileged to be a part of this morning.

We were able to explore traditional Basotho housing.

And then, we were back in the vans and on our way to the airport. Two weeks ago, we were strangers when we left Raleigh. Today, we are colleagues, collaborators and friends in the Johannesburg airport. Transformed in so many ways. We are returning to normal, but we are no longer who we were two weeks ago. “Travel changes people,” and we have indeed been changed. We are returning to the States as different individuals and different educators.

Over the next days, we will each eat a meal by ourselves rather than 18 people gathered around a table for hours. We will each drive a car alone rather than pile in a van of 9 people and radio our friends in the other van just to make jokes. For a half second, we will think we see a group member at the grocery store, only to be disappointed to realize that person is actually in another part of NC or South Africa. It will be a transition back to our regular routines. And as we anticipate the start of the school year, we will be thinking about how to incorporate all we have learned and experienced into our classrooms.

This morning at breakfast, Andrew said, “Cling to the good times.” As we go through the next months, experience stress about administration, concern for a student, and feel the chaos of starting a new school year, we will be able to cling to all the good of South Africa. We will pause for a moment and remember the sunrise on our bush walk, the beauty of the giraffe munching on leaves, the joy of a preschool child seeing the new mural on their school wall, the laughter of our group around the table, and the magnificence of a herd of elephants across the coastal forest.

Our final group photo together at Golden Gate National Park.

South Africa

“Today was Dino-Mite!”

July 31, 2026 - 1 Comment

The paleo prospecting crew made up of experts and novices, with lots of enthusiasm. Drs. Andrew Moore (far right), Alan Turner (second from right), and Christian Kammerer (middle back) shared their field expertise with us.

The new fossil prospecting site was a relatively short but steep, and uneven hike from our park hotel rooms. Amanda (gray shirt) points to indicate the ultimate destination- a rocky outcropping at the top of a wide grassy slope.

Getting closer… a gorgeous hike under bluebird skies at Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Our final full day of this adventure had us up early and tackling the Mesozoic era in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. We met with a team of renowned paleontologists and geologists from China, South Africa, and America. They led us up a twisty, steep hillside to find the perfect undiscovered fossil dig site. The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking. From that vantage point, we could clearly see how weathering and erosion have shaped the landscape over millions of years, exposing different layers of rock throughout the mountains.

We (and the exert paleo crew) were excited to discover a number of fossils from the ~200 million year old mudstone of the Elliot formation, including the skull of a Tritylodon! Dr. Drew Moore also found his largest and most complete (yet) articulated skeletons of long-necked dinosaurs from the park today! While some of our untrained eyes struggled to identify the difference between a fossil and mineral concretions (rock), we were blessed to be among professionals who were excited to share their passion and expertise. After a lengthy hike down, we took a break and ate lunch to prepare for the afternoon.

Our group then visited the site where our new paleo friends have been working the past ten days. They showed us some of their most recent and exciting finds which included a 200 million-year-old dinosaur egg and an unidentified dinosaur or early crocodile skull.

The end of the day took us to the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre that has been open for just over a year. The museum showcased the geology of Southern Africa and explained how ancient volcanic activity created hard igneous rocks that still exist today. We were given a guided tour by the lead science researcher (Dr. Kimi Chapelle) who helped design the museum. The amount of knowledge related to fossils, geology, local culture, and dinosaurs passed on to us was immeasurable. It has been a special treat to get to meet and then learn from Steven Saunders, the famous artist who used the fossils found here to guide his design process for the dinosaur models in the museum. Fun Fact- He was also the artist who created all the creatures from The Lord of the Rings movies!

One quote that resonated today is, “Stones are the bones of the Earth. All things return to the soil.” It is a powerful reminder that Earth’s history is written in its rocks and fossils, and everything in nature is part of an ongoing cycle. It is hard to believe that our journey is coming to an end and after tonight, the next bed we sleep in will be our own.

Everyone pauses their fossil scanning for a quick snack and photo break.

A newly discovered bone (the white ring) in situ.

Learning about the Rooidraai digsite (in particular the late Triassic mudstone layer of the Elliot formation), made famous because it is among the, if not the oldest known and best preserved site for multiple dinosaur nests and embryos.

A newly excavated dinosaur egg from Rooidraai.

Mpumi and David act like “the Dragon Hunter”, a medium sized meat-eater called *Dracovenator regenti*

We were so inspired to learn from Steven Saunders and Dr. Jonah Choiniere, about the creative process between fossil discovery and making museum models like life-size *Ledumahadi mafube* (seen here).

South Africa

“From Freedom’s Footsteps to Golden Horizons: A Journey Through South Africa’s Past and Present”

July 30, 2026 - 2 Comments

The Elephant team (from right), Tokitha, AJ, and Viola, pause for a picture with an incredible portrait of President Mandela made out of intricate beadwork.

Before we could begin another day of adventure, we packed our vans, enjoyed one last early breakfast together, and said goodbye to the beautiful coastal town of St. Lucia. While we were excited for what lay ahead, it was bittersweet knowing our South African journey was beginning to wind down.

This iconic sculpture of Nelson Mandela was created by the artist Marco Cianfanelli. It is made up of 50 separate steel poles between 19-32 feet high (one for each year since his capture as of 2012 when it was installed). As you approach and view the statue from a distance, the 50 vertical steel columns line up, magically recreating an image of Nelson Mandela’s face, and also reminding you that many different separate things can make up a whole, in solidarity.

Our first stop was the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, where history came alive in a powerful and deeply personal way. As the temperature dropped, the significance of the moment only seemed to grow. Walking through the museum, we had the opportunity to see artifacts and exhibits that connected directly to the book we all read to help us prepare for our journey, Long Walk to Freedom. These artifacts brought the pages of the book into vivid reality. One of the most memorable moments was seeing the actual vehicle in which Nelson Mandela was captured in 1962, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and equality. Many of us also visited the gift shop, bringing home meaningful souvenirs to remember this impactful experience.

“What counts is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ~Nelson Mandela

After reflecting on Mandela’s extraordinary legacy, we enjoyed lunch together at the on-site café before continuing our journey. Time was limited, so we climbed back into the vans and made our way toward Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

The drive quickly became an adventure of its own. As the road grew bumpier, Christian transformed the ride into another learning opportunity, teaching us about the fascinating rock formations, fossils, and geological history that make this region so unique. Although one of our radios stopped working along the way, Christian adapted by sharing information through our group chat, ensuring we didn’t miss out on the educational experience.

As daylight slowly faded and the South African landscape transformed beneath a spectacular sunset, we finally arrived at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The towering sandstone cliffs welcomed us as we checked into our hotel, the place we will call home for our final two nights in Africa. We ended the day gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude for another unforgettable day.

Today reminded us that South Africa’s story is written not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the courage of those who shaped its history. As our journey nears its end, we continue to carry with us lessons of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of freedom.

The sunset from the road leading to Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

As we gained elevation from the coast, the temperature dropped. Tomorrow will be cold for fossil hunting!

South Africa

“Why the “i” ?”

July 29, 2026 - 2 Comments

Our adventure today involved some choose your own adventures; this morning, one group opted to start their day with a walk through the town of St. Lucia in search of a sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Instead, we were treated to a farewell of a setting moon. On the way back to our hotel we encountered children going off to school. As our final days of the trip are on the horizon we reflect on our own students starting another academic year full of summer stories and new-found experiences.

A pair of kudu (large antelope) browse in iSimangaliso wetland.

Our morning continued with a self-guided driving tour through the iSimangoliso Wetland Park. Why the “i” you ask?
In many South African languages, like isiZulu and isiXhosa, the beginning of a word acts a little like a label. Think of it as part of the word that helps tell you what kind of thing you’re talking about. In English, we use words like “a,” “an”, and “the.” In these languages, that information is often built right into the word itself.

For example:
* indlovu = elephant
* indlu = house
* inkomo = cow
* isiZulu = the Zulu language

So the “i” (or sometimes in-, im-, or isi-) isn’t just there by chance—it’s an important part of how the language works.

one of those little things you probably wouldn’t notice until you hear the language every day. Now that we know, we can’t stop noticing all the words that begin with “I”! Learning these small cultural and language details has become one of our favorite parts of exploring South Africa.

As we explored the wetland park our species sighting lists continued to grow. A new monkey species, a handful of beautiful birds, and new tide pool inhabitants.

The park has unique characteristics featuring jungle, heavily vegetated grasslands, estuaries, and beaches all right alongside the Indian Ocean. The beach and cool ocean waters provided each of us the opportunity to dip our toes into a new possibility of wonder. They even remind us of our marine forests and coastal dunes on the way to our NC beaches.

A large herd of elephants moved across the landscape (we witnessed their destructive power on trees today- when there were so many limbs down and trunks broken we thought there had been a hurricane!).

We can’t wait to continue learning as we continue west tomorrow towards Golden Gate highlands National Park.

South Africa

“A New Town and a Taste of Home”

July 28, 2026 - 6 Comments

Dr. Christian Kammerer explains plate tectonics and the ancient supercontinent of pangea.

Sunrise. Sunset. Star gazing. Repeat. Maximized days in between.

We rose before sunrise and loaded up the vans. We had been staying in Wakkerstroom, the hometown of our new friends Mpumi, Eunice, and David. They had the opportunity to spend the two nights with their families, which was so sweet; while joining us for all the day’s activities. They met us early and all of us hit the road and headed into the sunrise, traveling east to the coast. David shared that Wakkerstroom means “wetlands that are always awake.” We are so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this awake and alive community for a small slice of time.

As we drove, we spotted new birds (secretarybird!), saw students walking to school through the bush, and even huge trucks carrying gigantic wind turbine parts! Overall, we watched the landscape transform before us.

Same Africa. Different environment. We traveled to St. Lucia, which is a town along the coast of the Indian Ocean. We arrived at the St. Lucia Ecolodge. As we climbed out of the vans, we felt some humidity for the first time since leaving home. We are enjoying lush, tropical-looking accommodations here. We explored the grounds and found more cycad plants and seeds. And even an ant lion – one of the “Little Five.”
After getting a little settled, we came together on the grounds of the hotel and Dr. Christian did a lesson on plate tectonics, using a felt board and puzzle pieces!

The main event of the day was our hippo and crocodile tour by boat! We boarded the boat and traveled along the St. Lucia Lake looking for these animals. We enjoyed sightings of baby and young crocodiles and a Goliath heron. Our favorite part was coming upon a bloat (collective noun for a group of hippos) of at least eight hippos piled together in the reeds. But by far, the best part of the tour was the opportunity to fellowship and bond together on the water.

To top it off, our dinner was interrupted when our waiter informed us a hippo was walking down the street! Welcome to South Africa!

We are enjoying this little taste of home – traveling from the mountains to the sea reminds us of North Carolina. It’s a nice way to go into the last legs of our trip: savoring every moment here while anticipating the joy of being home.

A portion of our group on the crocodile and hippo tour (the rest of our group was sitting in a slightly different section of the boat)

We learned that hippos rest their heads on one another to help keep their nostrils and ears above the water while sleeping.

A Goliath Heron stalks its prey in St. Lucia lake.

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 - 5 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 - 7 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

“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.