We are thrilled to announce that Angelique Van Houten, one of our dedicated Eagle Quest Outdoor Learning Program educators, has been selected as a 2025 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow by the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions. This incredible honor recognizes Angelique as one of just 35 educators worldwide chosen for this life-changing professional development opportunity.

About the Fellowship

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides exceptional educators with once-in-a-lifetime expedition experiences around the globe. Since 2006, only 434 educators have been selected for this prestigious fellowship, making Angelique's selection a remarkable achievement that reflects her outstanding commitment to education and global stewardship.

This summer, Angelique will embark on an extraordinary expedition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II. During this immersive experience, she'll work alongside leading scientists, naturalists, and researchers while exploring one of the world's most unique and biodiverse ecosystems.

Bringing Global Learning to Eagle Quest

As a National Board Certified elementary educator teaching our multi-age fourth and fifth-grade class, Angelique has always been passionate about connecting students to the world around them. Located on Puyallup ancestral lands, our Eagle Quest Outdoor Learning Program at Evergreen Elementary represents an innovative approach to education that perfectly aligns with the goals of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship.

The Eagle Quest program creates an inclusive and enriching educational experience that prioritizes inquiry-driven interdisciplinary projects set within the Key Peninsula's green spaces and diverse ecosystems. This innovative program provides authentic learning experiences that foster independence, confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Students in Eagle Quest are typically:

• Highly motivated – Excited to engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences
• Flexible and adaptable – Comfortable with dynamic learning environments and open to new challenges
• Outdoor enthusiasts – Willing to explore and learn outside, regardless of weather conditions
• Curious and inquisitive – Eager to ask questions, investigate, and seek deeper understanding
• Self-guided and independent learners – Taking initiative, working well with minimal direction, and staying engaged in long-term projects
• Collaborative and communicative – Enjoying teamwork, discussion, and problem-solving with peers

"Angelique values community and family collaboration in the creation of localized field experiences and is a champion of civic and geographic education," notes her fellowship profile. "She empowers her learners, as global stewards, to always lead with curiosity and empathy."

The knowledge and experiences Angelique gains during her Galápagos expedition will directly benefit our Eagle Quest students and the broader school community. She plans to integrate her firsthand observations of evolution, conservation, and marine ecosystems into engaging, hands-on learning experiences that will inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. This real-world expedition learning perfectly complements Eagle Quest's commitment to authentic, place-based education that connects students to both their local environment and the wider world.

As a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, Angelique has committed to a two-year program that extends far beyond her expedition. She will participate in webinars, co-design educational resources, attend meetups, and mentor other educators, amplifying the impact of her fellowship experience across our educational community.

Following the Journey

The community can follow Angelique's expedition and its ongoing impact through her Instagram account @mrs.vh.explores, where she'll share updates and insights from her Galápagos adventure and how it transforms learning at Eagle Quest.

We couldn't be prouder of Angelique's selection for this prestigious fellowship. Her dedication to outdoor education, community engagement, and fostering global citizenship makes her an ideal ambassador for Eagle Quest and our district. This recognition reflects not only her individual excellence but also the innovative, place-based educational approach that defines our Eagle Quest Outdoor Learning Program.

Congratulations, Angelique! We can't wait to see how this incredible experience enriches learning for all our students.