Space Foundation Names 2008 Flight of Teacher Liaisons

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Mar. 14, 2008) — The Space Foundation has selected the 2008 Flight of Teacher Liaisons.  Educators from elementary school teachers to administrators as well as a teacher with NASA’s Aerospace Education Services Program from across the United States, including American Samoa and Puerto Rico, were among the 69 individuals chosen for this honor.  This remarkable group of educators will be recognized and participate in a professional development workshop in conjunction with the 24th National Space Symposium.  The premier annual gathering of the global space community, the symposium will take place April 7-10 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

The Space Foundation’s highly-regarded Teacher Liaison program, now in its fifth year, selects teachers who actively promote space and science education in the classroom and the community.  Those chosen for this honor serve as advocates for space science education, and conduits into their classrooms, schools, and districts.  Teacher Liaisons are selected by a panel consisting of an industry expert, Teacher Liaisons, member of the military, and Space Foundation representative. 

“This flight of Teacher Liaisons is a truly extraordinary group of educators,” said Iain Probert, vice president of education for the Space Foundation. “In addition to the largest pool of applicants to date, this group includes three Albert Einstein fellows and three teachers who were finalists for NASA’s educator astronaut program.”

The recognition and induction ceremony for the Teacher Liaisons will take place during a breakfast on Tuesday, April 8.  Tim Slater, Ph.D., endowed professor of science education at the University of Wyoming, will serve as the featured speaker.  Following the breakfast, the Teacher Liaisons will participate in a day-long professional development workshop.   Presentations by astrophysicists from NASA’s Goddard Spaceflight Center will contain the most current space exploration information and curriculum activities for the teachers to take back to their classrooms to inspire the next generation of explorers.  Col. Eileen M. Collins, USAF (Retired), former NASA Astronaut and NASA Advisory Council Member will also address the workshop participants. Both the workshop and Teacher Liaison program for 2008 are co-sponsored by NASA.

In addition to this and other noteworthy education programs including the sixth annual Space Career Fair, student tours, and presentation to elementary students by former NASA astronaut Capt. Jeff Ashby, USN (Retired), the 24th National Space Symposium is packed with featured speeches and other timely panel discussion by senior government officials and leaders across the space industry. More than 7,500 participants from across the United States and many foreign countries are expected to attend. 

Online registration and more information, including an updated program agenda, confirmed speaker list, and exhibitor list, are available at  www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983 and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization advancing space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel humanity.  A leader in space awareness activities, major industry events, and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom, the Space Foundation is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo.  It conducts research and analysis and government affairs activities from its Washington, D.C., office, and has field representatives in Houston and Cape Canaveral, Fla.  Along with partnering organizations, the Space Foundation also conducts Strategic Space and Defense 2008, scheduled 6-8 October in Omaha, Neb.  For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.