Toyota Sponsors Education Program in Japan for
12 California Teachers
TORRANCE, Calif., May 30 Twelve California teachers will
travel to Japan in June for an all-expenses-paid educational study made
possible through the "Toyota International Teacher Program." During a
rigorous two-weeks through six cities from Tokyo to Hiroshima, the teachers
will learn about Japan's past and present, and explore key global issues.
"Now in its third year, this program has convinced us that teachers make
excellent ambassadors," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.
executive vice president and chief operating officer. "First, they have a
natural curiosity and love of learning. Second, they have extraordinary drive
and determination to share their experiences and knowledge, as well as their
questions. When teachers broaden their understanding of issues that are
important today, they impact not only their students, but their colleagues as
well."
The program focuses on four themes -- history, education, environment, and
technology -- and how these affect industry and society. Activities vary from
visits to schools, shrines, conservation sites and factories to talks with
well-known authors, educators and business leaders. In a day when the
Internet lays the world at our fingertips, the study tour espouses the value
of hands-on experience.
The 12 California high school teachers, who teach a variety of subjects,
are among 50 chosen from six states where Toyota operates manufacturing,
research and design facilities -- California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan,
Missouri and West Virginia. Winners are selected based on their professional
and leadership qualifications, as well as their plans to incorporate their
experiences and research into their curriculum.
Funded through an annual $600,000 grant from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.,
Inc., the program is administered by the Institute of International Education
in Washington, D.C., the nation's largest non-profit educational exchange
organization.
"Both the Institute of International Education and Toyota are dedicated to
fostering mutual understanding, building global problem-solving capabilities
and strengthening the international competence of U.S. citizens," said Allan
Goodman, president of the Institute of International Education. "The program
gives teachers the intercultural understanding necessary to develop and share
a global perspective vital to enhancing the worldwide community."
The program takes place June 21 through July 6 and begins at TMS'
headquarters in Torrance, California, where the teachers will meet for a
pre-departure orientation and reception.
This year, students and other interested parties will be able to join the
teachers on their Japan excursion, virtually that is, via photos and journal
entries that will be posted to a web site daily (http://www.toyota.com/4teachers).
Experiences such as visiting a Kabuki theater, high school classroom, or a
community rainwater conservation project will come alive on the Internet.
Teacher contact information and photos also will be posted to the site.
The "Toyota International Teacher Program" demonstrates the company's
longstanding commitment to supporting education. In 2000, Toyota USA
contributed $22 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with nearly 70 percent
supporting education. Besides donating to a wide range of educational
organizations, Toyota has created its own innovative programs, including
grants for science and math teachers, scholarships for students, technical
training and family literacy programs.
About Toyota's Education Programs
In addition to sponsoring a number of nonprofit educational organizations,
TMS offers four major programs that support teachers with grants and students
with scholarships: TAPESTRY for K-12 science teachers; TIME for K-12 math
teachers; the Toyota International Teacher Program, a two-week study abroad
program in Japan for 50 high school teachers; and Toyota Community Scholars,
providing 100 scholarships to high school seniors based on academics and
community service. In the past ten years, Toyota USA has invested more than
$148 million in U.S. philanthropic programs. For more information about
Toyota education programs, visit http://www.toyota.com/about or call Rhonda Glasscock
at 310.468.4119.
About the Institute of International Education
Founded in 1919, IIE is the largest and oldest international exchange
organization in the United States. It is a private, not-for profit
organization, committed to leadership development and services for the
education, cultural and training sectors. By enabling more than
18,000 outstanding men and women each year to study, conduct research, receive
practical training, or provide technical assistance outside their own
countries, IIE fosters mutual understanding, builds global problem-solving
capabilities, and strengthens the international competence of U.S. citizens.
For more information about IIE, contact Leslie Anderson at 202.326.7704.
*Please find attached a list of teacher participants and a trip itinerary.
In addition, a web diary of the Japan excursion will be posted daily at
http://www.toyota.com/4teachers. B-roll of the winners' experiences in Japan also
will be made available. Please contact Nicole Burkholder with requests.
CALIFORNIA
Name School City
Lisa Bertram Foothill High School Pleasanton
Shauna Bolton Leigh High School San Jose
Ruth Buck St. Francis High School Sacramento
Teresa Dickey Marymount High School Los Angeles
Michael Dohr Rubidoux High School Riverside
Michael Fischer Granite Bay High School Granite Bay
Sheila Folan Florin High School Sacramento
Nathan Ivy Irvington High School Fremont
Ronald Kimura Grover Cleveland High School Reseda
Patricia Moriarty FairView High School Chico
Roberta Patterson Millikan High School Long Beach
James Steele Adolfo Camarillo High School Camarillo
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