A Volunteer Teacher’s Founding Forward Travels

Curious about Founding Forward PDs around Pennsylvania? Read on for a volunteer teacher’s account!

Teaching Traveling: Welcome to Jim Segrave-Daly! Jim, tell us about yourself.

Jim: I’m a 57-year-old volunteer history teacher (since 2010) for Haverford Township Adult School in Havertown, PA (suburban Philly) that targets lifelong learners/retired adults. I work in medical sales/patient advocacy & began applying my Penn State history degree in 2010 as a member of the HTAS board, noticing there were no history courses offered. 

I regret not doing it earlier, as I love teaching! Over the same period, I’ve been a presenter on history to libraries & civic organizations nationwide.

TT: Beautiful! Tell us about your upcoming travels.

J: I’ll be traveling to Trinity College in Dublin to read my family’s written history that dates back to William the Conqueror & the Battle of Hastings. My paternal grandmother was keeper of the written history until her passing, when it was donated to Trinity College.

TT: Wow! How do you find your travel opportunities?

J: I was fortunate to connect with Founding Forward in Valley Forge, PA. They are a 501 (c) (3) of The Union League of Philadelphia. Their goal is to promote civic literacy among teachers & students. 

I’ve attended two PD programs, and both were excellent! As a Founding Forward program participant, I’ve also benefited from attending lectures at The Union League of Philadelphia.

TT: How did you find the money to fund your travel?

J: Fortunately, most of my travel has been relatively close to home, which minimizes airfare costs. Founding Forward has diverse PD opportunities, which allow me to stay close to home. However, for longer trips, I’ve used savings.

TT: Tell us one moment from your travels that was particularly powerful.

J: During a recent Civil War Institute conference at Gettysburg College, I reconnected with my Penn State Spring 1988 Civil War professor, Dr. Gary Gallagher. Dr. Gallagher was the reason that I became a teacher. 

Due to life’s interruptions, it took me 21 years to start teaching. Listening to his presentations & taking a battlefield tour he led reminded me of the impact he had on my decision to teach.

TT: How have your travels impacted you as a teacher and as a person?

J: Travel has strengthened my connection to the history classes I teach, in addition to giving me a deeper understanding of my subject. Being able to share personal travel experiences, photos & knowledge has made my teaching more impactful, based on student feedback. Travel has also increased my desire to travel more in the future.

TT: What advice do you have for teachers who are dreaming of travel?

J: Travel to those places & teach those subjects that interest you most!  I regret not starting my volunteer teaching sooner, as I love sharing my passion for history. I highly recommend FoundingForward.org. The diverse opportunities that they offer are second to none, with incredible travel opportunities & lecturers.

TT: Thanks so much, Jim! Readers, what questions do you have?