By Laura Swanson
With the anticipation of returning to school next week, the classic “What did you do on your summer vacation?” would receive a unique answer from Tillamook Junior High Science Teacher Bryton Dorland, “I went to the Balkans for eight days!” For many, that might get a response of “WHERE?!” Dorland participated in a Center for Geography Education trip in July that provided first-hand historical and geographical experiences with the cultures of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo. “We took advantage of in-depth briefings, site visits and walking tours to discover the region’s many hidden gems,” said Dorland. This is a professional development program from the Center for Geography Education in Oregon which selects a group of Oregon teachers to engage in a graduate-level equivalent, short course in geographic inquiry and field methods using the Southern Balkans’ extraordinary and unique landscapes as the classroom.
“I’ve got so many pictures and notes to share with my students, and the community,” said Dorland. “I saw and learned so much during this trip and I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge and experience to teach others about the geography and people of the Southern Balkan’s region. I am also developing a new lesson plan related to the Geography of Chinatowns in Europe compared to the United States,” explained Dorland.
(NOTE: We’ve included a slideshow video of Dorland’s photos, so we all get to experience his trip!)
Some of Bryton’s favorites photos (see below for link to slide-show below.)
The selection process was competitive and was open to any Oregon classroom teacher. The program is designed to improve geography instruction in Oregon’s K-12 classrooms. It is funded by a generous grant from the Gray Family Foundation, honoring John Gray’s intent to provide international travel experiences for K-12 teachers. The Center for Geography Education in Oregon, which is housed at Portland State University’s Geography Department, designs travel experiences with strong geography content and sound pedagogical and field experiences that inform and contribute to classroom practices. Here is the link for the Center for Geography Education in Oregon: C-GEO; sign up for the Newsletter: Newsletter; Link for Free Geography Instructional Materials: Atlas
Visiting these ancient civilizations shortly after the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence had special significance as these countries have histories that are thousands of years old, and have only recently become independent states. Dorland noted the cultural differences from their Albanian tour guides, conflicts and prejudices against particular ethnic groups in some areas were encountered. Overall, the American visitors were very welcomed in the Balkan countries. According to Bryton, ”They want Americans to visit and they want to share their culture. They feel a connection to America and appreciate everything America has done stabilizing the Balkan region.”
The southern Balkans are on the overland route for the Romans, “Silk Road” and the spice trade so the countries have Roman and Oriental influences. One of the highlights of the trip for science teacher Mr. Dorland was visiting Lake Ohrid on the border of North Macedonia and Albania which is home to more than 200 endemic species—organisms found nowhere else on Earth; there where ancient ruins and archeological sites throughout the area, and they visited beaches along the Adriatic Sea. The Mediterranean climate is very similar to Tillamook County. Bryton is a 2015 graduate of Tillamook High School, and took advantage of the “Grow Your Own” program, getting his teaching degree to return to Tillamook. Now, he’s taking this travel experience learning and applying it in his classroom, and sharing it with the community.
“I really want to encourage other teachers to apply for the C-GEO trip,” said Dorland. There are 12 teachers selected – K-12 grades – and wide variety of subjects taught. “That’s what makes this program unique is that it takes place-based learning to the next level for the teachers and students, incorporating geography into science, English and other classes,” explained Dorland. “Because I’ve experienced this particular location it opens up all kinds of learning opportunities back in the classroom.”
Here is the link for the Center for Geography Education in Oregon: C-GEO; sign up for the Newsletter: Newsletter; Link for Free Geography Instructional Materials: Atlas
Iceland Storymap: Storymap
