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.

FMI: www.honeywell.com