Bodenhamer comments, “Because I feel global awareness and appreciation for diversity are imperative for all learners irrespective of any age, every year I develop and implement curricula that address the required fundamental strands while immersing the students in a new and different culture. My goal for these virtual world travelers is that they, like their teacher, will foster a love for learning that transcends their own communities, crosses borders, and reaches beyond oceans."

Downing has taught for nearly 20 years. She currently teaches Creative Writing, World Literature and a Talented and Gifted course at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Gaddy teaches courses on reading and contemporary issues at Lookout Valley Middle High School and Tyner Middle Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn. He is in his 30th year of teaching Literary Enrichment and Leadership Development courses, and developing enrichment activities for gifted students.

“Elderhostel and Road Scholar are delighted to recognize such distinguished educators with the Road Scholar Educator of the Year Awards,” says James Moses, president and CEO of Elderhostel and Road Scholar. “Their enthusiasm for education and lifelong learning is heartening and inspiring and we look forward to welcoming them on an educational adventure with Road Scholar.”

In 2004, Elderhostel launched Road Scholar to meet the needs of a new generation of independent educational travelers. Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for older adults. More than 160,000 people enroll in Elderhostel’s 8,000 programs annually. Road Scholar provides exceptional educational adventures throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, please visit www.roadscholar.org or www.elderhostel.org.