Toyota Invites Texas Teachers to Visit Japan
* Texas teachers among 50 U.S. high school educators to be chosen to participate in all-expenses-paid trip to Japan * Applications sought and travel opportunity given to educators teaching in the eight states where Toyota has major operations
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 1 -- As part of Toyota's commitment to being a community partner in Texas -- home of Toyota's newest, $800 million manufacturing plant -- Toyota is inviting local high school teachers to apply for the opportunity of a lifetime: an "ultimate" field trip to Japan 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 through January 12, 2004, applications are being accepted from high school teachers wishing to participate. The program, now in its sixth year, 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, historians, educators and business leaders.
"This program has convinced us that teachers make excellent ambassadors," said Jim Press, executive vice president and COO of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "They have extraordinary drive and determination to share their experiences and knowledge. When teachers broaden their understanding of important issues, they impact not only their students, but colleagues and community members as well. With Toyota's expansion into Texas, we're pleased to extend teachers the invitation to participate in this highly rewarding program."
The Texas teachers will be among 50 chosen from eight states where Toyota operates manufacturing, research and design facilities -- Alabama, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, and now Texas -- home of Toyota's newest manufacturing plant. The program takes place June 16 through July 3.
Teachers are selected based on their professional and leadership qualifications, as well as their plans to incorporate their experiences and research into their curriculum. Teachers in all subject areas are invited to participate. To be eligible teachers must be a U.S. citizen, employed full-time as a secondary classroom teacher (grades 9-12), and have a minimum of three years teaching experience. Applications can be obtained through high school principals, curriculum leaders or by logging onto www.iie.org/pgms/toyota or e-mail toyotateach@iie.org .
Funded through an annual $650,000 grant from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., the program is the only one of its kind sponsored by a major U.S. corporation. The Institute of International Education (IIE) in Washington, D.C., the nation's largest non-profit educational exchange organization, administers the program.
"Understanding and appreciation of other societies help build critical international skills. Who better than America's educators to share this knowledge with our youngest citizens?" said IIE President and CEO Dr. Allan E. Goodman.
"Traveling to Japan through this program was the most profound experience of my life," said Steve Klawiter, past participant and history teacher at Lafayette High School, Wildwood, Mo. "Being able to bring first-hand cultural experiences from abroad into the classroom helps provide the dynamics that truly engage students and inspires them to want to learn more about the world we live in."
The "Toyota International Teacher Program" demonstrates the company's longstanding commitment to supporting education. In 2002, Toyota USA contributed nearly $20 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with 61 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.
Founded in 1957, TMS is the sales, marketing, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota and Lexus in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,400 Toyota and Lexus dealers in 49 states.
About Toyota's Education Programs
In addition to sponsoring a number of nonprofit educational organizations, Toyota 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, and Toyota Community Scholars, which provides 100 scholarships to high school seniors based on academics and community service. For more information visit www.toyota.com/community or contact Rhonda Glasscock at rhonda_glasscock@toyota.com .
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, see the website at www.iie.org , or contact Leslie Anderson at landerson@iie.org .
About Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX)
In 2004, Toyota will break ground on a new manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas. The 2,000-acre plant, representing an $800 million investment, will manufacture Toyota's best-selling pickup truck, the super tough, Toyota Tundra. Starting production in 2006, the plant will employ 2,000 people and will produce approximately 150,000 Toyota Tundras annually.
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