Space Foundation and University of Colorado to Offer Space-based Specialty of Master's Degree Program

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Apr. 18, 2002) — The Space Foundation and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (CU-Colorado Springs) have joined forces to create a new space studies specialty for elementary and secondary school teachers, the organizations announced today. The specialty will be part of the master’s degree in curriculum and instruction offered by the CU-Colorado Springs’ College of Education. The program was developed jointly by the Space Foundation and the College of Education faculty. “The College of Education looks forward to offering a master’s degree track in space science,” said Dr. David Nelson, dean, College of Education at CU-Colorado Springs. “Post baccalaureate and master’s degree students will benefit greatly from the Space Foundation collaboration that emphasizes mathematical education.” “We’re excited to offer this unique program for teachers, furthering an already well-established partnership with the university and expanding our mission of getting more teachers and students interested in science and technology,” said Dr. Patricia Arnold, vice president of education at the Space Foundation. Qualifying course work will be offered beginning this summer during the Space Foundation’s “Space Discovery” graduate courses. The weeklong courses in Colorado Springs show teachers unique ways to Launch Learning Excitement(tm) in the classroom. Additionally, a course on distance learning will be delivered at the new, state-of-the-art CU-Colorado Springs’ distance learning facility. The Space Foundation and CU-Colorado Springs will closely integrate efforts through the program with qualifying course work also being offered during regular school terms. CU-Colorado Springs, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,000 students annually. The Colorado Springs-based Space Foundation is a national non-profit organization, striving to advance space awareness and education. The Space Foundation has trained more than 17,000 teachers since 1986 through its “Teaching With Space,” “Space Discovery” and “Space in the Classroom” K-12 professional development programs. For more information, visit www.spacefoundation.org or call 1-800-691-4000.