Teacher Show Me the World

Sometimes it's not the teaching we've stopped loving. It's everything else.Have you ever felt so exhausted by teaching that you've started wondering how much longer you can keep doing it? You still love your students, you still love your subject, but somewhere along the way, the demands of the job have started to overshadow the parts you once enjoyed.I recently traveled to Boston with my son to tour MIT, and being a history teacher, of course I couldn't pass up the opportunity to walk the Freedom Trail!What I didn't expect was to meet an incredible fellow history teacher who also leads her students on international trips. I knew immediately we were going to get along!But our conversation quickly turned to something much more serious.She shared how deeply burned out she was and how leading trips overseas was one of the only things keeping her excited about teaching. She was also working as a tour guide to earn extra income.That conversation really stayed with me.Here was this talented, knowledgeable, enthusiastic teacher who clearly loved sharing history with others, yet she was struggling with the realities of the profession.And I couldn't help wondering how many other teachers are feeling exactly the same way.In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, we're having an important conversation about teacher burnout, why it's so much more than simply being tired, and why so many wonderful educators are feeling discouraged.We're also talking about how travel can reconnect us with our passion for teaching, why teachers deserve more recognition for their incredible professional skills, and how exploring opportunities beyond the classroom might help us imagine a different future.I also share a little about my own experience earning commissions through leading trips and why I believe teachers should know about the opportunities available in the travel industry.But this episode isn't about telling teachers to quit their jobs or take on another responsibility. It's about recognizing that teacher burnout is real, your skills have value, and you deserve to feel supported and appreciated.Whether you're experiencing burnout yourself or know another teacher who is struggling, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone.I'd really love to hear from you.Are you experiencing teacher burnout? Have you found something outside the classroom that helps you reconnect with what you love? Maybe it's travel, a hobby, or something completely different.Or perhaps you've started thinking about what your next chapter might look like.Send me a message! I love connecting with other teachers and hearing your stories.Website: www.teachershowmetheworld.comInstagram: @teachershowmetheworldFacebook: Teacher Show Me the WorldListen to the Podcast:Apple PodcastsSpotifyIf this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with another teacher who might need to hear it. Sometimes knowing someone else understands what we're experiencing can make all the difference.Thanks for listening!BetsyTeacher Show Me the WorldTeach. Travel. Earn.Let's Keep the Conversation GoingConnect With Teacher Show Me the World

Have you ever wondered why some teachers seem to fill their travel groups year after year, while others struggle to get enough people to sign up?You can plan an incredible itinerary, choose an amazing destination, and put together a trip you know your travelers will love. But getting people excited enough to actually register can be one of the most frustrating parts of leading group travel.In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I'm talking about some of the common mistakes teachers and group leaders make when recruiting travelers and what we can do differently.We'll talk about why simply announcing a trip isn't enough, how to help families understand the value of the experience, and why building relationships and trust can make such a difference. I'll also share ideas for communicating with potential travelers, addressing their concerns, and making it easier for interested families to take that next step.Whether you're planning your first trip or you've been leading groups for years, I hope this episode gives you a few ideas you can put into practice right away.I've also created a free resource to go along with this episode!The Group Travel Recruitment Roadmap is a practical workbook to help you think through your recruitment strategy, identify your ideal travelers, create a meaningful invitation, plan your communication timeline, keep track of interested families, and organize your next steps.It's designed to help you move from simply announcing a trip to having an actual plan for filling it.Download Your FREE Group Travel Recruitment RoadmapI'd love to hear from you! What's your biggest challenge when it comes to recruiting travelers? Is it getting people interested, answering questions about the cost, or turning interest into actual registrations?Come connect with me on social media and share your experiences. I love hearing what other teachers and group leaders are doing with their travel programs!Website: www.teachershowmetheworld.comInstagram: @teachershowmetheworldFacebook: Teacher Show Me the WorldPodcast: Teacher Show Me the World, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with another teacher or group leader who might find it helpful.Thanks for listening, and remember, a great travel program isn't just about where you take people. It's about the experiences you create and the relationships you build along the way.Teach. Travel. Earn.BetsyTeacher Show Me the WorldYour Free Group Travel Recruitment RoadmapLet's Stay Connected

How to Grow an Audience That Actually Wants to Travel With You! 🌎✈️What if the secret to filling your next trip isn't recruiting harder, but building a community of people who already WANT to travel with you?In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, we're talking about something every teacher and group leader needs to hear:You don't need thousands of followers. You need the RIGHT people to know you, trust you, and want to travel with you!If you're only talking about travel when it's time to recruit for your next trip, you're missing a huge opportunity.Let's talk about how to change that! Stop recruiting. Start building relationships! Why you should be growing your travel community all year long. Find YOUR people! Your future travelers might be families, foodies, history lovers, adventure seekers, or women who want to explore the world together.Get visible without becoming an influencer! Simple ways to use Instagram, Facebook, Reels, and engaging content to connect with potential travelers.Build trust before you sell a trip. Share your personality, travel stories, experiences, and expertise so people get excited about traveling with YOU. Build beyond social media. Why email lists and travel interest lists are important for growing your community.Focus on connection, not just followers. Learn why likes and views aren't the only measures of success.14 days. 14 posts. No fancy equipment. No perfect videos. Just YOU!I'm challenging you to show up for 14 days and share your love of travel using simple daily posting prompts.The goal isn't to become an influencer. It's to build a community of people who can't wait to see where you're going next!Click here for the 14 Day Show Me the World Visibility ChallengeHere's something to think about...If you're already leading non-sponsored trips, planning itineraries, recruiting travelers, and organizing incredible experiences, you may already be doing 90% of what a travel agent does!That's why I created Teacher Agent Academy!I help teachers learn the missing pieces of the travel industry so they can build independent travel businesses and explore opportunities to earn commissions on the trips they plan.You're already doing so much of the work. Why not learn how to earn from it?🌎 Learn about Teacher Agent Academy:https://teachersshowmetheworld.mykajabi.com/offers/hEWuu4Qb/checkout❤️ Schedule a one-on-one Zoom with me:https://scheduler.zoom.us/betsy-rybarczyk/teacher-show-me-the-world-1-on-1🌎 Website:https://www.teachershowmetheworld.com/📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teachershowmetheworld/❤️ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachershowmetheworld👩‍🏫 Join our Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/498498635534055/✉️ Email:[email protected] this episode inspired you, share it with another teacher or group leader who dreams of traveling more and building a community of their own!Not all classrooms have four walls. ❤️🌎Teacher Show Me the WorldTeach. Travel. Earn.

Four No’s, Two Sharks & One Very Determined TeacherWhat happens when someone tells you no?Do you accept it and walk away? Or do you ask one more question?In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I’m taking you with me to Grand Rapids Tech Week, where my 16-year-old son Graham and I went to hear Shark Tank stars Daymond John and Robert Herjavec.I went that night with an idea. At my school, our students participate in a Shark Tank-style project where they create a product, develop the branding and marketing, work through the business math, write a persuasive pitch, and ultimately present their ideas to local business owners.So naturally, I started wondering...What if I could somehow get one of the actual Sharks involved?There was just one little problem.I wasn’t a VIP. 😂What happened next involved security, several people telling me no, me repeatedly asking, “Do you have a boss?”, and eventually finding myself talking to someone who could actually help.And then things got even crazier.But this episode is about much more than meeting two Sharks.It’s about persistence, entrepreneurship, taking chances, and letting our kids see us try things that might not work.Because there’s a big difference between:“I tried and it didn’t work.”and“I never tried because I assumed the answer would be no.”It’s also about something I’ve been thinking about a LOT lately: the incredible skills teachers already possess.We communicate. We organize. We lead. We solve problems. We build relationships. We market ideas. We manage people, deadlines, money, and approximately 4,872 things at the same time. 😂For years, I never thought of those things as business skills.Now I do.And that realization is a huge part of why I created Teacher Agent Academy.My goal isn’t for Teacher Agents to come work for me. I want to help teachers learn the professional side of the travel industry so they can use the skills, relationships, and experience they already have to begin building something of their own.Their travelers. Their reputation. Their business.Maybe you already lead trips. Maybe you simply love to travel. Maybe you’re looking for another source of income and wondering what else you could do with the skills you already have.I hope this episode gets you asking:What could I build from what I already know?Because sometimes one simple step can lead to something much bigger. ❤️Learn more about Teacher Show Me the World and becoming a Teacher Agent:Teacher Show Me the WorldUse my Commission Calculator to estimate what you could have earned on previous trips or what potential commission could look like on future trips.Try the Commission CalculatorCommission calculations are estimates and are not a guarantee of future earnings.If you’re ready to learn the professional side of travel and start building something of your own, join Teacher Agent Academy today.Join Teacher Agent AcademyBook a one-on-one Zoom with me and bring ALL your questions. We’ll talk teacher to teacher about Teacher Agent Academy, commissions, the travel industry, booking travel, and what becoming a Teacher Agent could look like for you.Book a One-on-One with BetsyInstagram — @teachershowmetheworldTeacher Show Me the World Facebook PageJoin the Teacher Show Me the World Facebook GroupAnd don’t forget to follow Teacher Show Me the World on Spotify so you don’t miss an episode.Know another teacher who needs to hear this? Send this episode their way. You never know what one idea might lead to.🌎 Teacher Show Me the World🌎 Ready to Explore What’s Possible?💰 What Could You Earn in Travel Commission?❤️ Ready to Become a Teacher Agent?☕ Have Questions? Let’s Talk!📱 Let’s Connect

I'm back! After six months away from the podcast, I have a LOT to catch you up on.This summer included two back-to-back trips to Iceland, meeting Sir Richard Branson (yes, really!), meeting Iceland's former president, scouting Croatia for a future group, exploring the possibility of a private cruise... and somehow tearing my ACL trying to get to a waterfall. But believe it or not, none of those are the biggest reason I wanted to record this episode.Something has changed.It started with one conversation with a travel agent that made me look at the non-sponsored trips I've been leading with students and families for more than 15 years completely differently.As she described her work, I kept thinking:Wait... I already do that.So I went home and did some math.When I saw the number, I felt sick.I'm not telling you the number yet.... I'm revealing that during my upcoming FREE webinar for teachers who already lead non-sponsored trips with students and families.Think you might be an Almost Agent? [RESERVE YOUR FREE WEBINAR SPOT]We're talking about:What happened during my six-month podcast breakMy very surreal encounter with Sir Richard BransonHow I managed to tear my ACL in IcelandWhy I went to Croatia to scout a future group tripThe conversation with a travel agent that changed everythingWhy I wish I'd done the math 15 years agoWhat happened when I decided to become a travel agentWhy I definitely didn't need another geography lesson What I mean when I say I spent years as an Almost AgentAnd why Teacher Show Me the World is entering a whole new chapterIf you're already recruiting travelers, communicating with families, holding meetings, managing details, solving problems and leading groups around the world, this episode is especially for you.You may already be doing far more of the work of a travel agent than you realize.In my free webinar, I'm sharing the parts of this story I'm NOT revealing on the podcast — including the number I discovered when I calculated 15+ years of potential travel commission, the teacher Facebook post that changed my mission, and what I mean by the missing 10%. [RSVP AND SAVE YOUR FREE SEAT]And if you know another teacher who's already leading non-sponsored trips, send them this episode. They might be an Almost Agent and not even know it yet.Follow Teacher Show Me the World wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss what's coming next. Website: www.teachershowmetheworld.com Instagram Facebook Private Facebook Group — Teacher Show Me the WorldHave a question or want to tell me about the non-sponsored trips you're already leading? Come find me on social media; I'd love to hear from you!And don't forget to follow the podcast so you won't miss what's coming next.In This EpisodeAre YOU an Almost Agent?Connect With Teacher Show Me the World

Today’s guest is Matt Paneitz, the founder of Long Way Home (LWH). His work has earned global recognition and created one of the best service-learning opportunities available for teachers and students.His StoryBefore founding Long Way Home, Matt was a 911 Paramedic and later served in the Peace Corps (2002). After completing his service, he launched LWH and helped construct the first city park in Comalapa, Guatemala (2005–2008).In 2009, Matt began what became an internationally recognized sustainability project: the construction of the Hero School campus, a 20-structure educational environment made almost entirely from repurposed waste materials.This included:35,000 used tires550+ tons of reclaimed wasteDesigns optimized for local climate and environmental conditionsThe campus also incorporates:Solar powerRainwater catchment + purificationDry composting latrines that manage all grey and black waterSystems intentionally visible as teaching toolsMatt open-sourced every structure profile to allow others to replicate the designs → https://lwhomegreen.orgEducation Earned While BuildingWhile living and working in rural Guatemala, Matt earned:A Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability (2012)A Master’s degree in Education (2015)And he is currently completing his Doctorate in EducationHis academic work combined with his on-the-ground building experience led to the creation of the Hero School Education Model, which received the UNESCO-Japan Prize for Education for Sustainable Development in 2023.Workshops, Books & ProgramsMatt also developed:The Green Building Workshop, a one-month intensive green-building programThe Green Building ManualA 4-course university certificate in Critical Pedagogy & SustainabilityHis current work as a Fellow with ASAP (Academics Stand Against Poverty) at Yale UniversityMatt lived in Comalapa for 20 years, working alongside local builders, teachers, and families.Calling All Teachers: Bring Your Students to Guatemala for Service LearningMatt is actively looking for:✔️ Volunteers✔️ Teachers✔️ Student groups✔️ Service-learning programs✔️ Affordable international school tripsLong Way Home provides a truly immersive and budget-friendly program where students can:Learn sustainable designParticipate in green buildingEngage with the local communityExperience environmental stewardship hands-onMake a real, lasting impactIf you're a teacher dreaming of taking your students abroad for meaningful, purpose-driven travel, this is exactly the kind of program you're looking for.When you contact him, please mention that you heard his interview on Teacher Show Me the World.🔗 Connect with Long Way HomeWebsite: https://lwhome.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lwhomeorgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lwhome_org/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGp4wuyTpyGytkXWSwYX1SALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/long-way-home/

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I sit down with Stefanie Lachenauer, middle school educator, author, mindfulness teacher, and the 2025 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. Stefanie’s work centers on helping both students and educators cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and emotional regulation—skills that are essential in today’s classrooms.We talk about her neuroscience-based approach to learning, the power of presence in teaching, and how mindfulness practices can help students manage stress, build confidence, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.What truly stands out is how Stefanie extends learning beyond the school walls. As the founder of the Joyful Journeys Travel and Adventure Club, she takes students on global service-learning trips that combine travel, compassion, and leadership. Much like I believe travel transforms students’ perspectives, Stefanie shows how mindfulness and adventure together help young people discover who they are and what they’re capable of.You’ll hear:How mindfulness supports emotional regulation and student engagementPractical ways educators can integrate mindfulness and wellness into their classrooms and while traveling with their students.What neuroscience reveals about learning, stress, and resilienceHow travel and service experiences build empathy and leadershipThe inspiration behind her bestselling book, Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for TeensStefanie’s story is a powerful reminder that teaching is both heart work and brain work—and that our calm presence as educators helps students find their own center.Learn more about Stefanie Lachenauer: www.stefanielachenauer.com Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for Teens — Available on Amazon Instagram: @NJSTOY2025 | @stefaniealachenauer | @LetTheGlitterSettleFacebook: Stefanie Lachenauer, 2025 NJ State Teacher of the Year✨ “Mindfulness gives our students the tools to navigate the noise, find calm in the chaos, and let their own glitter settle.” — Stefanie LachenauerIf you are looking for additional resources that will help market and build your travel program, be sure to buy The Ultimate Marketing Tool Kit to help grow and expand your world travel program.Looking for more resources? The Ultimate Group Leader’s Travel Bundle has everything you need to lead a successful world travel program!

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I sit down with Iuri Melo, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse, a nationwide program that helps students, parents, and educators strengthen their mental and emotional well-being through daily encouragement, optimism, and practical mindset tools.What makes Iuri’s approach so unique is how he brings learning outside the classroom. Through Adventure-Based Therapy, he uses real-world challenges—like those found in nature, teamwork, and personal goal-setting—to help students build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Much like travel, these experiences remind us that growth often happens when we step beyond our comfort zones.We talk about the power of connection, how to support students through life’s struggles, and how simple, consistent messages of hope can truly change school culture.You’ll hear:How Iuri turned tragedy into purpose through the creation of SchoolPulseWhat Adventure-Based Therapy looks like and why it worksStrategies for helping students (and teachers) strengthen emotional resilienceWhy meaningful experiences beyond the classroom—like travel or adventure—are vital for student growthHow a few kind words can change the course of a student’s day, or even their lifeIuri’s mission to “bless the human family” resonates deeply with educators who believe learning extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. His work is a reminder that when we nurture curiosity, courage, and compassion, we’re helping students see their world—and themselves—differently.📘 Learn more about Iuri Melo:SchoolPulse – Student Support ServiceBooks: Know Thy Selfie | Mind Over Grey MatterComprehensive Mental Health Resource Page✨ “When we teach students to manage their minds, we give them the power to shape their lives.” — Iuri MeloIf you are looking for additional resources that will help market and build your travel program, be sure to buy The Ultimate Marketing Tool Kit to help grow and expand your world travel program.Looking for more resources? The Ultimate Group Leader’s Travel Bundle has everything you need to lead a successful world travel program!

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I sit down with Wells Jones — adventurer, storyteller, and co-author of A Line in the Sand — for an unforgettable conversation about what it truly means to explore the world.From Navy Pararescue missions in Antarctica to mountaintop reflections and cultural crossroads around the globe, Wells has lived a life defined by curiosity and connection. We talk about how travel can become a bridge between people, a classroom for understanding, and a mirror for our own growth.You’ll hear:How Wells’s time in the Navy shaped his perspective on courage and compassionThe story behind A Line in the Sand and how friendship, history, and travel intersectWhy the most meaningful souvenirs aren’t the ones we bring home, but the insights we gain along the wayHow educators (and their students!) can use travel to deepen empathy and global awarenessWhether you’re a teacher dreaming of leading your first student trip or a lifelong learner seeking new ways to connect across cultures, this episode will inspire you to see travel as more than movement — but as transformation.📘 Learn more about Wells Jones:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/wstadjones🎧 A Line in the Sand — available now on Audible, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini✨ “The true treasure of travel,” Wells reminds us, “is not the artifact or the destination, but the understanding forged between people.”If you are looking for additional resources that will help market and build your travel program, be sure to buy The Ultimate Marketing Tool Kit to help grow and expand your world travel program.Looking for more resources? The Ultimate Group Leader’s Travel Bundle has everything you need to lead a successful world travel program!

In this episode of Teacher Show Me the World, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Lily Fu, a lifelong educator and global leader whose story is both inspiring and thought-provoking.Lily grew up surrounded by education—her parents were both teachers in Taiwan—and from a young age, she carried that same passion into her own teaching career in Japan and Taiwan. But her journey didn’t stop in the classroom. Lily went on to play a key role in building executive education programs for Harvard Business School in China and expanding the global footprint of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with programs reaching as far as Dubai and Singapore. Today, she continues her work in global education at the New England Innovation Academy, where she helps students grow as curious, entrepreneurial thinkers and global citizens.In our conversation, we explored:Her roots in education – and how her upbringing shaped the way she sees global learning today.Moving from teaching to building partnerships at Harvard and MIT, and what she carries from those experiences into her current role.Defining global citizenship for American students and why it matters now more than ever.How to design student travel with purpose—beyond sightseeing—to create authentic cultural engagement.How school leaders can support global programs, even when travel feels optional in tight budgets.Stories of partnerships abroad that have transformed the way her students see the world.The everyday impact of travel, and how students bring those experiences back into their learning and problem-solving.Creating a curriculum without borders, where global thinking is woven into everyday study.One of the themes that kept coming up in our conversation is something I deeply believe in too: travel is the ultimate teacher. It shapes us, challenges us, and gives us the courage to see the world through new perspectives. Lily’s insights into how to integrate travel into education—in meaningful, lasting ways—are ones I know every teacher, parent, and student will benefit from hearing.Tune in, and get ready to be inspired by Lily’s story and her vision for global learning.If you are looking for additional resources that will help market and build your travel program, be sure to buy The Ultimate Marketing Tool Kit to help grow and expand your world travel program.Looking for more resources? The Ultimate Group Leader’s Travel Bundle has everything you need to lead a successful world travel program!