Two Buncombe County Schools educators took learning beyond the classroom this summer, traveling thousands of miles to South Africa for an unforgettable educational experience. 

Enka High School Math Teacher Tony Dezio and Candler Elementary School Art Teacher Heidi Shields participated in Global NC, a program that provides educators from across North Carolina with opportunities to travel internationally and immerse themselves in another country’s culture and education system. 

During their twelve day journey through South Africa, Mr. Dezio and Ms. Shields had the opportunity to experience the country firsthand, learn more about the schools and educational practices, and gain a deeper understanding of the people, history, and culture of South Africa. 

For Mr. Dezio, the experience made a lasting impact. 

“This was a life-changing experience that I will never forget,” he said. 

Ms. Shields returned to Candler Elementary with new ideas and a broader worldview that she can incorporate into her art classroom. 

“I have brought back an expanded global perspective for my students,” she said. “Each grade level will participate in a unique Southern Africa inspired project, thus allowing students to build on their learning yearly with different lessons over their elementary art years.”

Experiences like Global NC give educators the opportunity to become students themselves - learning from people and places beyond their own communities and bringing those lessons home. For Mr. Dezio and Ms. Shields, their time in South Africa will now have an impact far beyond their travels as they share their experiences with students. 

Their journey is a reminder that learning has no borders, and sometimes the most powerful lessons are the ones that take us far beyond the classroom.