🎭 Why I Believe Every Teacher Should Travel With Their Students

Lessons Beyond the Classroom—from a Theatre Teacher Who’s Been There

As a former theatre teacher, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing something truly magical: the moment a student steps out of their hometown and into a world bigger than they ever imagined. I’ve watched shy performers light up under the lights of Times Square, young actors sit in awe at their first Broadway show, and students discover new sides of themselves on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or in the halls of a world-class museum.

These experiences didn’t just change my students—they changed me. And that’s why I believe student travel isn’t just a nice extra. It’s essential.

1. The Stage of the World Is the Best Classroom

When I brought students to New York City for the first time, I saw the spark in their eyes. Suddenly, scenes they rehearsed in class connected to real-world artistry. They weren’t just reading about theatre—they were living it. Travel takes what we teach and makes it matter. History, art, storytelling—it all becomes tangible, relevant, and unforgettable.

2. Growth Happens When Students Step Outside Their Comfort Zone

There’s nothing quite like seeing a student gain confidence in themselves—whether it’s navigating a busy city, performing in a workshop, or simply learning how to share a hotel room respectfully. Travel teaches life skills we can’t always fit into the school day: independence, problem-solving, resilience. These are the moments where kids grow up just a little—and we get to witness it firsthand.

3. Stronger Bonds, Stronger Communities

Some of my best memories as an educator didn’t happen in a classroom. They happened on buses, in lobbies, and at dinner tables during trips. Traveling together creates bonds that carry back into the classroom—between students and between us as teachers and mentors. That kind of connection transforms how we teach and how students learn.

4. Equity and Access for All Students

Many of my students had never left the state before. Some had never stayed in a hotel. By building travel into our programs, we gave those students the chance to belong in places they might have thought were out of reach. That’s why I’m so passionate about making these trips accessible and equitable—because every student deserves to see what’s possible.

5. Moments That Stay With You

Years later, my students still talk about those trips. They don’t always remember the lines from their monologue—but they remember standing outside the stage door, seeing a skyline for the first time, or belting showtunes on the bus ride home. Those are the moments that stay with them. They’re also the moments that reminded me why I became a teacher in the first place.

Let’s Make It Happen

At Impact Tours and Travel, I took everything I learned as an educator and built a company that puts students and teachers first. We create travel experiences that inspire, empower, and make a real impact—not just on a trip, but for life.

If you’ve been thinking about taking your students beyond the classroom, I’m here to help make it easy, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Let’s take the leap together. Your next adventure starts here.