Heather Halstead grew up in New York City where she attended the Brearley School. In 1992, she matriculated at Dartmouth College, where she majored in History, with minors in Education and Environmental Studies. In 1997, she founded Reach the World (RTW), a global education nonprofit with the mission to bring the world into the classroom by virtual exchange. In 1998, Heather led a world circumnavigation aboard a small sailboat that was equipped with one of the world's first satellite transmitters. In order to demonstrate how explorers’ voices could bring the world into the classroom, she sailed 25,000 miles around the globe, connecting her journey in real time to under-resourced public school classrooms in the U.S. Heather’s journey proved that virtual exchange is a nimble and effective disruptor that can give all students, in all communities, access to positive and personal global networks. Heather has served as RTW’s Executive Director since its founding in 1997. A pioneer in the virtual exchange field, RTW makes the benefits of travel and exploration accessible to classrooms, inspiring students to become curious, confident, and compassionate global citizens. Enabled by RTW’s online platform, classrooms explore the world in real time, in partnership with travelers and explorers. RTW identifies volunteer travelers and explorers; manages web-based content posted by these volunteers; and delivers support and professional training to classroom teachers. The National Geographic Education Foundation has named RTW a Model Program in Geography Education.

Language spoke: English

Photo credit: The Explorers Club