The Vision
Since the beginning of the Space Age, 50 years ago, students have been told that if they studied math and science, they could grow up to become astronauts and go into space.
Unfortunately, that was a false promise. Even at the height of the Shuttle program, a student had a better chance of becoming an NBA basketball player than a NASA astronaut. No wonder today's students show more interest in athletics than math and science.
What if we could turn that around and show students that they have a real chance for a future in space?
Imagine thousands of astronaut teachers, in schools all across the country, sharing their spaceflight knowledge and experiences with millions of students. This vision could become a reality within the next ten years.
Private companies are now developing a new generation of reusable space vehicles, which will dramatically improve safety and reduce the cost of human spaceflight. In the next few years, these vehicles will allow many thousands of people to fly in space.
The Teachers in Space program is working with many of these new spaceflight companies to make sure that teachers are among those who have a chance to go. As a new age of opportunity unfolds, who better than teachers to lead the way?
Unlike NASA's Educator Astronaut program, which takes teachers out of the classroom to join the NASA astronaut corps, Teachers in Space will allow teachers to “keep their day jobs.” Training will take only a few weeks; and many teachers will be able to complete the program during school breaks which will eliminate having to take time away from the classroom.
The selection process for the “Pathfinders” will soon begin. When the first vehicles enter commercial service a few years from now, we will have teachers who are trained and ready to go.
Pathfinders
Every journey begins with a single step. The Teachers in Space program wants to put a thousand astronaut teachers into American classrooms, within the next decade.
The first step in the Teachers in Space journey has been the selection of a small group of “Pathfinders” who will lead the way for the large numbers of astronaut teachers who follow. These Pathfinders will be the first astronaut teachers to fly in space and return to the classroom.
Throughout the past year, teachers from all across the country applied for the chance to become a Pathfinder astronaut. Teachers in Space evaluated hundreds of applications from highly qualified educators and narrowing the pool was a difficult process. This summer the seven finalists for the first two Pathfinder astronaut flights will be announced at the NewSpace 2009 Conference in July.
Teachers in Space plans to offer a three-week Pathfinder training course for those chosen to fly. The course will include spaceflight safety instruction as well as professional development. Pathfinders will fly during the summer and return to class in the fall with a priceless payload of knowledge and experience.
Currently, Teachers in Space is working with educators across the country to design the content of this professional development program. Workshops will be conducted in various locations around the United States and teacher generated ideas will fuel our program for success.
Every Pathfinder will reach and inspire hundreds each year. For the first time, space can have a real effect on American education. Join Teachers in Space on this incredible adventure and be part of the magic!
Pathfinder competitions will be a recurring event. If you are interested in submitting an application or attending a workshop please check our website for updates and scheduling information.