Olympic Curling Team 2026?

Lisa, Kristen and Brian at the National Training Center for Curling in Fussen, Germany.

America’s men’s curling team won the gold and the hearts of many of us unfamiliar with the sport. However, students at World of Inquiry School in Rochester, NY, are old pros at it after three of their teachers used a Fund for Teachers grant to research curling alongside Olympians and build an outdoor “sheet” to encourage physical activity and sportsmanship.

“Kids have been very excited to use our sheet, frozen over with help from the fire department,” said Kristen Burgmaster. “We’ve extended our indoor curling curriculum from two to four weeks and hope to have an after school club, as well.”

Why did Kristen, Brian Fedele and Lisa Tilley design a fellowship around curling? Most well-known winter sports require expensive equipment that many students don’t own or can’t afford. Curling equipment is minimal (the teachers purchased stones and brushes through a local grant) and kids can wear regular clothes.

Thanks to the Rochester Teacher Association for creating this video. We love seeing students engaged in active learning inspired by our Fellows!