Scholarship Program To Help 250 Teachers Improve Teaching
Techniques For Science And Math
Teachers from 27 countries and 47 states have been awarded
scholarships in Honeywell's "Educators @ Space Academy"
program. In all, 250 teachers will attend the program at the
U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama from June 15
to June 28, 2011. This event is one element of the company's award
winning math and science education initiative.
Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
in 2004, the program is designed to help teachers move beyond the
standard math and science curriculum with supplemental teaching
techniques developed through real-life astronaut training. "Through
the Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program teachers are given
a unique opportunity to become more effective educators," said
Thomas Buckmaster, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "This
hands-on learning reinvigorates their lesson plans of science,
technology, engineering and math education in classrooms around the
globe and enhances their ability to inspire the next generation of
leaders."
The teachers will participate in 45 hours of professional
development, as well as an intensive educator curriculum focused on
space science and exploration. Activities include classroom,
laboratory and field training exercises, which are linked to U.S.
science and math teaching standards. Each teacher will also
undergo real-life astronaut training including a high-performance
jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water
survival training, and a state-of-the-art flight dynamics
programs.
"I have been to hundreds of professional development workshops
throughout my career; however, not one holds a candle to this
experience. From the team building activities to actual lessons I
can use in my classroom, this camp was a career and life changing
experience," said Andy Nelson, 2010 Space Camp alumni. "Space
camp was a wonderful way to connect with other teachers and build
lifelong friendships. Meeting international teachers from
around the world was very rewarding."
Each Honeywell Educator receives a full scholarship following a
rigorous application and selection process involving competing
teachers from around the world. Scholarships include tuition for
the six-day program, roundtrip airfare, meals, accommodation and
program materials.
"Honeywell is leading the aerospace industry in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) education through this
stellar teachers' program," said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, Chief
Executive Officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and former
VP of Space Exploration for Honeywell. "As Wernher von Braun said,
'All we can leave our children is what's in their heads.
Education, not material things, is the only legacy no one can take
away. The Honeywell Educator Class of 2011 will continue this
mission."
Since the program's inception, Honeywell and its employees have
sponsored more than 1,448 scholarships for teachers from 43
countries and 50 U.S. states, to participate in the Honeywell
Educators @ Space Academy programs.