A Summer of Travel & Teaching for Camille Tedeschi

This past summer was filled with two of Camille Tedeschi’s favorite things in life; travel and teaching. The Huntington High School social studies teacher traveled to Costa Rica with a group of college students and worked with them as the student life coordinator on various service learning projects.

“It was a great role for me since I love to teach and travel and I had the opportunity to do both in this temporary role with EF Tours,” Ms. Tedeschi said. “This program really solidified my belief that not all classrooms have four walls. Experiential learning is essential and rewarding. It develops critical thinking skills.”

Ms. Tedeschi is happiest exploring new worlds and growing in every possible way. “I enjoyed my time in Costa Rica and my students were exceptional,” she said. “As a result of this program they returned home with better leadership skills, communication skills and developed personally along with learning about the beauty of travel and how it impacts your life at the moment and how it will continue to influence who you are as a person.”

The four week program immersed participants in Costa Rican culture, customs and history. Members of the group worked with local residents and non-governmental organizations to complete various service projects focused on conservation, reforestation and sustainable developments. The trip wrapped up with time for reflection at the Leadership Academy at the UN’s University for Peace.

“The program had a variety of projects such as working with local students, local wildlife such as sea turtles and sloths, reforestation of the mangroves and the opportunity to study at UPEACE, which is a university focused on leadership and sponsored by the United Nations,” Ms. Tedeschi said.

Ms. Tedeschi has been a Huntington social studies teacher since September 2002. A graduate of Walt Whitman High School, she obtained an undergraduate degree at Pace University and graduate degrees at Stony Brook University and CUNY-Queens College. She is also certified as a school librarian.

Ms. Tedeschi has served as a student government class advisor and History Day club advisor. She has been recognized by EF Tours and Me to We for excellence in teaching and for showing her students the world. She was the honored educator at WE Day in Manhattan in April 2016 and holds the title of Global Education Ambassador for Long Island. She loves to travel and has been a guest speaker at several conventions and training tours abroad for teachers.