Tryon Elementary School teacher Mandy Wolfe traveled to Paris this summer after receiving a Slater Excellence in Teaching Award from the Polk County Community Foundation.
The Priscilla and Ellis D. Slater Excellence in Teaching Awards fund professional development opportunities that enhance classroom instruction. The program strengthens local education by supporting teachers’ professional growth through funding for travel experiences related to their teaching subjects, conference attendance and other developmental projects.
During her trip to France, Wolfe visited numerous museums and cathedrals, studying art and architecture from various historical periods, including Impressionism, the Medieval era and the Renaissance.
Wolfe has integrated the experience into her classroom instruction, bringing history and art to life for her students. As part of her lessons, she shares photos from her trip to enrich students’ understanding of the historical periods and artistic movements she studied.
The award reflects the Polk County Community Foundation’s commitment to investing in teacher excellence and providing educators with experiences that directly benefit student learning.
