SJNA Educator Completes Prestigious EF Educational Tours International Training

DELAFIELD, Wis. – St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) proudly recognizes Melissa Steffens, an SJNA faculty member, for her participation in the EF Educational Tours International Training Tour and Professional Development Program from January 16-20, 2025. This exclusive program prepares first-time traveling teachers to lead student tours by immersing them in global learning experiences.

Through the training, Steffens gained valuable insights into global citizenship, cultural awareness, and the role of AI in education. The experience also allowed her to make professional connections with nearly forty educators from across the United States, further enhancing SJNA’s commitment to providing students with a Foundation for Life through international travel and leadership development.

Key Takeaways from the Training

Fostering Global Citizenship- Steffens emphasized the importance of teaching students to be responsible and respectful global citizens, a skill that extends beyond the classroom and into their futures.
Immersive Learning- By navigating a foreign city, learning Italian, and understanding cultural nuances firsthand, Steffens developed tools to help students adapt to international travel experiences.

Impact on SJNA Students

Building on what she learned, Steffens has incorporated a global citizenship component into her curriculum, ensuring students develop cultural awareness and leadership skills both inside and outside the classroom. She is especially excited to apply these lessons during SJNA’s upcoming Ecuador and Galápagos Islands trip in March, where students will experience firsthand the values of global engagement, cultural respect, and responsible travel.

“I can share and apply what I learned during this training with students who will be traveling for our Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Trip in March,” said Steffens. “I’m looking forward to leading our students during that trip and helping them develop their life-long global citizenship and leadership skills that I learned from this training because they align well with SJNA’s core values and build upon their foundation for life.”

A Legacy of Global Education

EF Educational Tours has been offering this training for nearly 20 years, positively impacting thousands of students worldwide. SJNA remains committed to expanding international learning opportunities, reinforcing its mission to develop leaders of character and purpose in an increasingly globalized world.

About SJNA:

St. John’s Northwestern Academies provides a safe, structured environment where students build a strong foundation for success. With specialized programs tailored to future aspirations, SJNA prepares young leaders to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Learn more at www.sjnacademies.org.