Building a Workforce for the Future

The Space Foundation is helping to build an organic workforce for the future through teacher, student and community programs that use space themes to improve students' interest and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Its award-winning education team is made up of experienced, professional educators who are passionate about supporting the Space Foundation mission through programs that provide resources and skills for teachers and motivate students to learn.

The Space Foundation education team recently returned from Charles County, Md., where, for the tenth consecutive year, they delivered educator professional development for teachers in Charles County Public Schools (pictured). This year's training added a new Space Across the Curriculum course, with instruction for integrating the arts into STEM education. The course focused on helping teachers integrate science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) across the curriculum, with hands-on activities that meet education standards and are instantly transferrable to the classroom.

In preparation for the start of the fall school year, the Space Foundation has added one more Space Education Specialist to its team of educators. Beth Schwartz (pictured) is responsible for a number of the Space Foundation's education programs, including field trips to the Discovery Center, Space in the Community outreach and integrating language arts and literature into Space Foundation lessons.

Previously, Schwartz taught for 10 years, including two years overseas. Most recently, she taught 5th grade in Colorado Springs, teaching math, language arts, science, history and writing, and where she often enhanced the curriculum with challenging activities. Schwartz earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Northwestern - St. Paul.

This article is part of Space Watch: September 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 9).