Our Program Leaders: Mentors, Educators, & Experts

Putney programs are led by experienced international educators who serve as guides, mentors, and experts on the destination and program content. We are proud to say that our leaders truly set our programs apart.

Putney hires and trains only the best international educators and professionals to work with our students. We have a selective hiring process, screening, interviewing, and vetting leaders over a 7-month period. Their average age is 32.

Our trip leaders come from diverse and accomplished backgrounds. They are often graduates of a wide range of highly respected colleges and universities, and come to Putney from prestigious positions with organizations like the Peace Corps, Teach for America, the Fulbright Program, and an array of academic institutions. They are published authors, respected teachers and professors, social workers, award-winning photographers, Putney alumni, and successful professionals in their fields.

Our leaders are committed to working alongside students to become more informed global citizens. They bring with them both professional and real-world experience that enables them to be effective teachers, mentors, and guides. Our program leaders have considerable personal and professional experience related to the program theme, local language, and program destination. More than half of our leaders hold or are pursuing master’s or other advanced degrees (55% in 2026).

What’s most important is that Putney leaders are incredibly passionate about their work, and love working with Putney students. This passion, and the magic of the Putney experience, leads to an extremely high retention rate: every summer, 80% of our leaders are returning veteran leaders.