[school-discuss] calling all teachers

[mike eschman <meschman@etc-edu.com>]

NASA ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCES OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS

Administrator Sean O'Keefe and Florida First Lady Columba Bush today outlined 
a unique NASA program designed to show learning in a whole new light by 
giving students and teachers across the country an out-of-this-world 
experience.

Mrs. Bush joined the Administrator at Hardy Middle School in Washington to 
make the recruitment call to a group of eager students, teachers, and 
education professionals.

"I am proud of Florida's unique role in our nation's space program. In order 
for that program to enjoy continued success, we must excite school children 
into learning about science and mathematics," said Fla. First Lady Bush. 
"This program is wonderful because it will reveal the endless possibilities 
of space exploration to a new generation, just like many of the today's NASA 
scientists were inspired by a similar calling in the 1960's," she said.

The program's goals are to generate renewed interest in science and 
mathematics and cultivate a new generation of scientists and engineers by 
nominating and recruiting educators for NASA's astronaut corps.

"NASA leads the most ambitious exploration and scientific research efforts in 
history," said Administrator O'Keefe. "It's a legacy that is in jeopardy 
unless we find innovative ways to get students and the entire education 
community excited about mathematics and science. We believe the Educator 
Astronaut Program will help us fulfill our mandate to inspire that next 
generation of explorers," he said.

Teachers who want the chance to join the Educator Astronaut Program may apply 
using the Educator Astronaut website at: http://edspace.nasa.gov. The 
application deadline is April 30, 2003. Educators with questions about the 
program, or who do not have access to the Internet, can call (877/332-7876) 
toll-free.

NASA will review the applications and select Educator Astronaut candidates to 
begin training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to join the astronaut 
corps. After graduation, new Educator Astronauts will be eligible for a Space 
Shuttle flight assignment as fully trained Mission Specialists.

"Educator Astronauts will be able to provide a direct connection between 
America's teachers and students, and the various careers and opportunities 
associated with space exploration through the Nation's aerospace program," 
said Associate Administrator for Education Dr. Adena Williams Loston, who 
will manage the program in Washington. "Education has always been a part of 
NASA's mission, and we have renewed our commitment to get students excited 
about science, technology, engineering and mathematics again," Loston said.

Teachers and representatives from approximately 15 national education 
organizations and associations, including the Challenger Center for Space 
Science Education, the National Science Teachers Association and Virginia's 
2002 Teacher of the Year, joined NASA at today's announcement. NASA is also 
working with industry, and other federal, state and local governments to 
engage educators, students and the public.

Over the next several weeks, NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin and Educator Debbie 
Brown will act as co-managers and ambassadors of the program, visiting a 
number of cities to engage the public in the experience of space flight, to 
explain the program and its many opportunities.

Students, educators, parents, and anyone interested in participating in the 
program are invited to join the Educator Astronaut "Earth Crew." The Earth 
Crew is a web- based interactive initiative linking audiences with education 
activities and programs, astronaut profiles, and basic information about 
NASA, living and working in space.

"A program this ambitious is needed. Our country needs more students and 
educators devoted to science and technology," concluded Administrator 
O'Keefe. "The Educator Astronaut Program will help us accomplish this vital 
goal necessary to secure our future."

Nominations and access to the Educator Astronaut Program are available through 
the Internet, along with additional information about NASA's education 
initiatives at:

      http://edspace.nasa.gov/
      http://education.nasa.gov/
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/

###
Contacts:

Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1726)

Eileen Hawley
Johnson Space Center, Houston
(Phone: 281/483-5111)  



Educator Astronaut Links

Other Pages

    * Educator Astronaut Site
    * Educator Astronaut FAQ
* Educator Astronaut Factsheet

This text derived from ftp://ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/pressrel/2003/03-016.txt