STERLING, Kan. — Amy Brownlee, longtime librarian for Sterling Public Schools, is preparing for an educational journey across the Atlantic after being selected for a prestigious teachers' study trip to Germany.
Brownlee, who has served as Sterling’s librarian for 25 years, was recently chosen to participate in the Transatlantic Outreach Program, sponsored by the German organization Atlantik-Brücke. The 10-day trip will take her to Berlin, Munich and Dresden, where she and other educators will study modern German education, politics, economy, and culture.
“This will be an exciting opportunity for me,” Brownlee said. “My knowledge of Germany is very historical. I’m excited to learn about modern Germany and build connections that I can share with students and fellow teachers.”
Unlike typical leisure travel, the program emphasizes professional development and cultural exchange. Participants will meet with German business professionals, visit schools, tour museums and experience cultural events.
Brownlee, who grew up in Medicine Lodge, Kan., and studied English education at Bethany College, said she views these experiences as a way to enrich her students' learning.
“When I bring back artifacts, photos and first-hand stories, it really ignites my students’ excitement for learning,” she said. “It’s so much more meaningful than just seeing a picture online.”
This isn’t the first time Brownlee has blended travel with education. Last summer, she attended a professional development workshop at Comic-Con International in San Diego, learning how to integrate comics into curriculum.
In addition to her Germany trip, Brownlee will attend the White House History Teacher Institute in Washington, D.C., in July. Sponsored by the White House Historical Association, the program offers K-12 educators behind-the-scenes access to historical resources and primary documents related to the White House and American history.
“I love learning from other teachers across the country and bringing those experiences back to Sterling,” Brownlee said. “These trips allow me to be the eyes and ears for my students.”
Brownlee discovered both opportunities through an education-focused Facebook group that promotes professional development programs for teachers. She encourages educators to seek out similar opportunities, noting that application periods usually fall between December and March.
Her trip to Germany will begin June 7. Following the program, Brownlee plans to spend an additional two weeks traveling through Europe with her husband.
When she returns, Brownlee hopes to share her experiences not only with students, but also with community groups and civic organizations in Sterling.
“I would love to share what I learned with any group that’s interested,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m excited to bring it home.”