The Middleton-Cross Plains Plains Area School District is proud to announce two educators – Anneliese Cannon and Steve Kurr – received Fulbright Teacher Exchange awards from the U.S. Department of State. Cannon teaches seventh grade literacy and social studies at Glacier Creek Middle School, and Kurr is the orchestra conductor and fine arts department instructional leader at Middleton High School.
Cannon and Kurr will teach, study and conduct research abroad for the 2026-2027 academic year through the Fulbright Program. Their program consists of a cohort of 120 teachers from around the United States.
As part of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program, they will complete online coursework during the fall semester and attend a symposium in Washington, D.C., in February. Kurr said through this process, they will develop final capstone projects and explore what they’ll bring from their travels to their students.
Cannon said she already infuses her classes with different languages and global perspectives, and she plans to deepen this practice as a Fulbrighter.
“I hope to build some kind of meaningful partnership with the teachers and students I meet abroad so that we can continue to learn from each other even after I return to Wisconsin,” Cannon said. “Lastly, I hope to consistently model for my students that I am a lifelong learner, whether I am taking classes or participating in this kind of travel activity, so that they can also understand that the quest for knowledge doesn't end with a diploma, degree, or career.
Fulbrighters engage in research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Cannon and Kurr shared what the award means to them.
“Winning this award represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to travel with the support of the Fulbright program,” Cannon said. “I was awarded a Fulbright about 15 years ago in graduate school but was unable to accept it due to family circumstances. I am thrilled to have the chance again to participate in a program that allows me to work with incredible teaching colleagues from around the country and world and learn about another education system and culture.”
Kurr agreed: “It is affirming to have the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognize that the work we have been doing is of value beyond the walls of our schools. The chance to meet educators from across the U.S. is exciting, and the opportunity to experience educational settings in another part of the world will be thrilling.”
Kurr and Cannon will learn their destination country in December. In the spring or summer, they will travel to their respective assigned countries, which may be in South America, Asia, Europe or Africa, for two to three weeks.
Cannon said she is excited and nervous about traveling abroad.
“The way the program works is that we need to complete and pass a course and upon completion of this course in December, we will find out where and when we travel,” Cannon said. “With so many potential countries on the list, the uncertainty is both exciting and nerve wracking. Will I find myself on a 20 hour flight to the Philippines? Or Senegal? Or stay in this hemisphere and travel to Brazil? For a teacher who loves to plan and make lists, the uncertainty is both unnerving and thrilling.”
Their travels and studies exemplify the Curious Mindset in A Cardinal’s Journey, MCPASD’s future-preparedness framework. MCPASD is grateful for educators who prioritize professional development and growth as lifelong learners.
“Curiosity for me is a lifelong adventure, and this experience will be a profound learning adventure for sure,” Kurr said. “It is hard to imagine a better or more personal way to demonstrate to students that learning never stops.”
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 as a bold investment in global peace and American prosperity through educational and cultural exchange. The program is marking its 80th anniversary in 2026, which coincides with America's 250th anniversary celebration. Learn more at fulbrightteacherexchanges.org and fulbrightprogram.org.