Upper School Spanish Teacher Adriana Stam is traveling across Peru this summer for her Ottenstroer Fellowship. From touring the streets of Lima to hiking Machu Picchu, Stam’s immersive journey focuses on exploring the Spanish language, Incan history and local Quechua communities. Stam says she has been traveling the Spanish-speaking world for years to enhance her knowledge of the subject she teaches, and this trip to South America will help her fill in the gaps where she feels she needs to grow as an educator.

The Ottenstroer Fellowships identify and reward excellence in teaching at Bolles by providing opportunities for professional growth among faculty. Funded by a grant from Duane and Sue Ottenstroer, the fellowships are awarded annually to members of the Bolles faculty who have had a significant impact on the learning process and have a plan for future improvement. Interested candidates prepare an application describing a project to be funded by the fellowship, usually for summer study or research. Ottenstroer Fellowships are available to teachers at every grade level, and the recipients are chosen each spring by an administrative selection committee.

Those interested in following Stam’s adventures in Peru and learning more about the country’s language and culture can visit www.spanishadventurer.com. She is also documenting her journey on Instagram (@spanish.adventures), TikTok (@spanish.adventures) and Twitter (@spainlover).