CBE Learning Leader, Court Rustemeyer, has gained international recognition and been chosen to participate in the National Geographic Society’s highly sought-after Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. In December, Court will travel to Antarctica with support from the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions to explore the region’s environment and its impact on global ecosystems.
“I am most excited to step into one of the most remote and fragile ecosystems on Earth and experience firsthand the power of place-based learning,” says Court.
“To walk alongside researchers, document the impacts of climate change, and connect with a global network of educators is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope to bring back more than just photos and stories – I want to bring back questions. Questions that spark curiosity, deep understanding, and challenge my students to think critically about their role in the world. Antarctica may feel far away, but the lessons from this expedition will connect directly to the way we live, learn and lead here at home.”
Court, an educator at Vincent Massey School, has spent nearly two decades inspiring students and fellow teachers through his passion for nature, exploration, and adventure. He currently serves as president of the Global, Environmental and Outdoor Education Council, a specialist council of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), and is also a director for the Prairies region with the Outdoor Council of Canada. Court frequently leads workshops for organizations including the ATA, the Outdoor Learning Conference, and Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada.
As part of the fellowship, Court will create educational resources such as classroom action plans, outreach presentations, and surveys – all intended to help educators across North America bring his Antarctic experience into their teaching.
“This opportunity will ripple far beyond the expedition itself. For students, it means gaining access to real-world environmental science, global perspectives, and the chance to learn through curiosity and connection. For fellow educators, I hope it serves as a reminder that bold, experiential learning matters – and that we can bring the world into our classrooms in powerful ways. Whether it’s through storytelling, resource-sharing, or mentorship, I’m committed to using this experience to inspire others and deepen our collective impact as educators.
I am incredibly grateful to the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions for this opportunity – and to my school and the CBE for supporting innovative, outdoor and globally-minded education.”
Court is one of only three Canadians among this year’s 35 fellowship recipients.