Massachusetts High School Teachers: Toyota Wants to Make Your Next Summer Memorable in Japan!
TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2005 -- Toyota is expanding one of its signature educational initiatives, the Toyota International Teacher Program, an all-expenses-paid, 10-day program in Japan for high school teachers.
A total of twenty high school teachers will be selected from the following ten states: Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Tennessee.
"I'm pleased to say that nearly 360 teachers have participated in this unique education enrichment program during the last seven years," said Jim Press, president and COO, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "I have the privilege of meeting many of these extraordinary teachers each year and it's gratifying to hear how profoundly this program not only impacts their teaching, but personal lives as well."
Eligible teachers can apply now, through January 9, 2006 for this unique opportunity to learn about another country's history and culture, education system, and its technological and environmental issues.
This one-of-a-kind, 10-day journey takes teachers through exciting cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and the island of Kyushu. The program focuses on four themes -- history, education, environment and technology -- and how these affect industry and society. Activities include visits to schools, shrines, conservation sites and factories as well as panel discussions with well-known authors, historians, educators and business leaders.
"There is no substitute for meeting real people, seeing real places, engaging in real dialogue, grappling with real issues. I found the Japan trip to greatly enhance my world view, and it continues to enhance it even as I relate the experience to new knowledge, new travels, books, etc.," said Rock Emmert, 2002 participant, Forest Park Senior-Junior High School, Ferdinand, Indiana.
Now in its eighth year, the program is sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the Institute of International Education in Washington, D.C., the nation's largest nonprofit education exchange organization.
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, applicants 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. Teachers can apply through the website www.iie.org/programs/toyota or email toyotateach@iie.org for an application.
Funded through an annual grant from Toyota, the program is the only one of its kind sponsored by a major U.S. corporation.
The Toyota International Teacher Program demonstrates the company's longstanding commitment to supporting education. In 2004, Toyota contributed $31 million to U.S. philanthropic programs, with 44 percent supporting education. Besides donating to a wide range of educational organizations, Toyota has created its own innovative programs, including grants for science teachers, scholarships for students, technical training and family literacy programs.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports, and research and development. The company's main website is http://www.toyota.com/.
About Toyota's Education Programs
In addition to sponsoring a number of nonprofit educational organizations, Toyota offers three major programs that support teachers with grants and students with scholarships: TAPESTRY for K-12 science 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 Kathy Mota at Kathy_mota@toyota.com.
About the Institute of International Education
An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1919, IIE is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. IIE designs and implements over 200 programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all business sectors with funding from government and private sources. IIE has a network of 15 offices worldwide, over 800 college and university members and more than 5,000 volunteers.
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