Lori Diehl

Mrs. Lori Diehl is a social studies teacher at Triton Central Middle School. She plans a trip for 8th graders each year that incorporates visits to Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Washington, DC.

Why are you passionate about student travel?

I’m passionate about student travel because it’s an incredibly enriching experience that goes beyond the confines of a classroom. It allows students to immerse themselves in different cultures, histories, and landscapes, fostering personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. As an educator, witnessing the excitement and curiosity on students’ faces as they explore new places while bringing “history and the arts to life” is truly rewarding.

What is a major highlight from any of your student travel experiences?

One major highlight from our student travel experiences was our visit to Washington D.C. There’s something awe-inspiring about standing in front of iconic landmarks like the Capitol Building, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon or the Lincoln Memorial. Seeing history come alive in such a tangible way leaves a lasting impression on students and sparks meaningful conversations about the values and principles that shape our nation.

What is the greatest lesson you or your students have learned from your trips?

As for lessons learned, one of the greatest takeaways from our trips has been the importance of diversity and inclusivity. Experiencing firsthand the diverse tapestry of cultures and perspectives in cities like New York and Philadelphia encourages students to embrace differences and cultivate empathy towards others.

How do you try to tie your travel experiences back into the classroom?

I integrate them into various subjects like history, social studies, and even language arts. For example, after visiting Gettysburg, we might delve deeper into the Civil War era through primary sources and literature. Additionally, students can share their travel experiences through presentations or creative projects, allowing them to reflect on their journey and connect it to academic concepts. By bridging the gap between travel, real life experiences, and classroom learning, we ensure that the experiences gained on the road continue to resonate long after the trip is over.

From the Nominator:
What qualities make your nominee deserving of this award?

Mrs. Diehl has been executing these trips for more than a decade, and she’s always looking to improve the experience for her students by varying the inclusions that will be fun for the group and those that will be educational. In her most recent trips, we’ve included a side-trip to the Flight 93 9/11 Memorial in Stoystown, PA, since it’s only a short detour off of their line of travel to Philadelphia. She is a surrogate mother to many of her students, and works hard behind the scenes to give every 8th grader the opportunity to participate regardless of financial ability.