Mark Seals

From EcuadorWiki

I have been the leader of the Ecuador Trip for the past 4 years, and it has been an incredible experience for me. Working closely with Ecuadorian faculty at the AcademiaLatinoamericana, living with a host family, traveling internationally, and getting to know the Alma College students in a different environment has helped shape my world view and who I am as an individual. My hope is that each student will go home with a deeper understanding of who they are and what their calling is in a world where we must think critically, lead wisely, serve generously and live faithfully.

Contents 1 Academic Degrees 2 Background 3 Other Chaperones 4 Expectations

Academic Degrees

• Ph. D. Purdue University 1999 Science Education, Biology
• M.S. Purdue University 1991 Science Education, Biology
• B.S. Eastern Oregon University 1985 Science Education

Background

I am an Associate Professor of Education at Alma College and currently serve as the Chair of the Education Department. I have a wife, Gayle, and a son, Dan who will both be going on this trip, and two daughters: Kate and Mary. This will be my fourth trip to Ecuador; each year brings new experiences and unique memories. I am also conducting research regarding the ethic of 'caring teachers', and how their actions affect the students they serve. I will be continuing my research and by comparing data from the United States, Ecuador, and India.

Other Chaperones

• Gayle Seals
• Myles McNally

Expectations

I am looking forward to seeing how this group in particular reacts to the sites and sounds of not only the Quito and Galápagos Islands excursions but also to the cultural aspect of Latin America. I expect that the students will change their world view after living in a 3rd world country, and hope that they build a sense of understanding and tolerance for others that will have a positive impact on who they become as adults in our world.