Chippewa Valley Times

Jodi Brownell, a graduate of UW-Eau Claire in Spanish and English secondary education, has dedicated nearly three decades to teaching Spanish at Crandon High School. She also serves as an adjunct professor for a college-level Spanish class through UW-Green Bay. Her commitment to global education was recognized when she received the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s 2023-24 Global Educator of the Year award.

Brownell's passion for international travel began during her college years with a study abroad program in Cuernavaca, Mexico. This experience had a profound impact on her, igniting a lifelong interest in travel and cultural immersion. "I was already a Spanish major, but I completely was bitten with the travel bug during that study abroad," she recalls.

Dr. Paul Hoff, professor of Spanish and language education at UW-Eau Claire, remembers Brownell as an enthusiastic and motivated student who stood out among her peers. He highlights her dedication to professional development and her ability to share her experiences with students in meaningful ways.

In 2024, Brownell spent time in Rabat, Morocco, observing high school study abroad programs through the Council on International Education Exchange. She found the experience enriching and shared positive stories about Moroccan culture upon returning home. "People were absolutely lovely and I couldn’t wait to get home and tell everybody how great Moroccan people are," she says.

Brownell's travels have often been linked to professional growth opportunities. As one of 35 National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions Grosvenor Teacher Fellows selected from nearly 500 applicants, she participated in an eight-day expedition to the Galapagos Islands in fall 2024. There, she observed efforts to protect local wildlife and habitats—a lesson she believes could benefit national parks in the United States.

Her experiences continue to inspire her students back home in Crandon, some of whom are now applying for their own study abroad programs after hearing about Brownell's journeys.