The Next-Generation Will Be Shaped By Amazing People -- Like Teachers...

Acknowledging a fertile opportunity for synergies between general education and the general aviation community, the Experimental Aircraft Association, in cooperation with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, proclaimed Tuesday, July 26 as Teachers Day at EAA AirVenture 2011. Sponsored by BuildAPlane, the event was designed to assist educators in bringing aviation into classrooms. Teachers at all grade levels from across the United States were invited to participate at no charge.

Teachers' Day participants got AirVenture admission and lunch provided, and were offered materials from the Department of Energy, FAA, National Air and Space Museum, AOPA, NASA, EAA, GAMA, and others. The teachers were also given the chance to attend hands-on presentations and speak with program specialists. A variety of materials useful in creating aviation-themed lesson plans were available to take home. The event even served as a continuing education opportunity for educators themselves, qualifying for one graduate credit through Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Laurie Schwab a third-grade teacher, explained that she attended to get ideas for making aviation relevant to her students, "especially elementary-age students, because this is where the seeds of discovery are born." Other educators tagged along with pilot-spouses interested in AirVenture's other attractions. Many there for 2011 were multi-year attendees. Aero TV caught up with a number of teachers, and got their reactions to Teachers Day 2011.

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