Jan. 23, 2026
When Court Rustemeyer stepped back into his classroom at
Vincent Massey School, he brought more with him than photos and stories from the bottom of the world. He brought questions, curiosity, and a renewed sense of wonder and is ready to share firsthand learning from one of the most remote places on Earth.
Court, a CBE Learning Leader, recently gained international recognition after being selected for the prestigious National Geographic Society’s Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. In December, he travelled to Antarctica with support from the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions.
“For my students, Antarctica can feel impossibly far away,” said Court. “But what I experienced there was a powerful reminder of how connected our world is. I wanted to come back with questions that spark curiosity and challenge students to think critically about their place in the world.”
During the expedition, Court worked alongside scientists and engaged in immersive, place-based learning. That experience is now shaping his teaching, helping students explore environmental science through real-world examples and global perspectives.
“This experience has completely transformed how I approach teaching. Bringing real-world exploration and climate science back to the classroom helps make learning meaningful and relevant for students.”
Court was one of only three Canadians selected among this year’s 35 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship recipients. He credits the National Geographic Society, Lindblad Expeditions, his school community, and the Calgary Board of Education for supporting innovative, globally minded education.
