We just Love GEEO and are very impressed with their programs and offerings. We've shared their history and programs, and also one teacher's journey with GEEO.

Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that runs summer professional development travel programs designed for teachers.

Educators have the option to earn graduate school credit (3 credits through Indiana University) and professional development credit while seeing the world.  The trips are 8 to 23 days in length and are designed and discounted to be interesting and affordable for teachers. GEEO also advises teachers on how to find funding to subsidize the cost of the trips. GEEO provides teachers educational materials and the structure to help them bring their experiences into the classroom. The trips are open to all nationalities of K-12 and University educators and administrators, as well as retired educators. Educators are also permitted to bring along a non-educator guest.

We caught up with Jesse Weisz to update our Wandering Educators on new developments and programs. Here's what he had to say...

WE: So what's new with GEEO since we last spoke in 2009?

JW: GEEO has experienced tremendous growth since our interview. So far we have had roughly 200 educators travel through our programs and our goal is 150 participants for this coming summer. We are now offering 13 different travel programs for the summer of 2011: India/Nepal, China, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey/Syria/Jordan/Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa/Mozambique/Zimbabwe/Botswana, Morocco, Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala/Belize/Mexico.

The other big news is we have finally received funding! This summer we struck a partnership deal with GAP Adventures. They are a very large and friendly tour company that loves what we are doing and decided to help us grow our organization. This is the main reason we have grown from offering 4 different programs in 2010 to 13 program in 2011. It has also allowed us to discount the trips further and eliminate our $75 program fee for teachers.

WE: Is there any room left in this summer's programs?

JW: We have plenty of room in most of the trips as of now, early March. Typically our programs fill up sometime in April or May.

WE: What are your planned locations for next year?

JW: I will have to update you on that come September when we will finalize which prorgams we will be running.  I am always looking for input when choosing our locations. If there are any requests from your readers they can feel free to contact me at jesse[at]geeo.org. I can also be reached by phone toll free at 1-877-600-0105 between 9AM-9PM EST.

WE: What is the best way for our readers to stay informed about your programs?

JW: The best way is to sign-up for GEEO's listserv. To do so please send an email to listserv[at]geeo.org with the subject line "subscribe." They can also follow us on facebook by clicking here and then clicking the "like" button.

WE: Thanks so much, Jesse!

For more information, please see:

http://www.geeo.org