Why in the world...?

So you might be asking yourself, why in the world is she going to Brazil, to South America? It seems so odd! Well, there's a perfectly good explanation--I won a free trip through study grant provided by a Brazilian coffee producer, Cafe Bom Dia, and Sam's Club. There are ten teachers from across the country who will spend a week in Brazil with me this summer:

"...studying how Fair Trade Certified standards improve environmental, economic and social conditions for coffee farmers and their families. ...

Fair Trade Certified coffee is grown by family farmers who are paid a minimum, guaranteed harvest price in exchange for meeting strict standards on land, water and chemical use, as well as investing in community projects and prohibiting child labor. [The essay competition invited teachers to explain how we would] expand awareness of how consumers [like our students] can make a positive difference by choosing Fair Trade Certified coffee [and other products]." 

For the complete press release from Walmart, go to: http://walmartstores.com/FactsNews/NewsRoom/8193.aspx

This blog is actually a part the way I plan to share what I learn with both my students and the public. Within my classroom, we're going to do some research on coffee production, child labor, and the environment and we'll read a lot of nonfiction articles on these subjects. I'm really looking forward to sharing this trip with my students--and anyone else who reads this blog.