Science Teachers Named to Coalition for Space Exploration’s Board of Advisors

St. Louis, Mo. – The Coalition for Space Exploration announced the addition of two teachers to its Board of Advisors–Crystal Bloemen of Fort Collins, Colo., and Penny Glackman of Ardmore, Penn.–at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) National Conference in St. Louis.

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups whose mission is to educate and inform the public on the value and benefits of space exploration and to help ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology – key factors that will benefit every American, strengthen our nation’s economy and maintain our national security.

The organization’s Board of Advisors currently includes space pioneers like Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Academy-award winning filmmaker James Cameron, renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Michael DeBakey and other public leaders who share the Coalition’s mission to advocate for the Vision for Space Exploration. Bloemen and Glackman are the first educators appointed to the organization’s Board of Advisors.

“These two extraordinary teachers will add depth to the Coalition’s mission and objectives, especially with their close connection to today’s youth – the very ones who will be carrying out the future of America’s space exploration plan,” said Joe Mayer, chair of the group’s Public Affairs Team. “We will look to them for classroom methods to bring space down to earth, in order to encourage younger generations to excel in math, science and technology, preparing them for careers in the space industry.”

Bloemen has been teaching for more than 27 years. After beginning her career in Newcastle, Wyo., she returned to her hometown of Littleton, Colo. in 1982, and taught in the Littleton school district for two decades. “For years, Crystal has been known for her innovative teaching style, particularly with respect to incorporating space exploration education into the classroom,” said Joan Underwood, Deputy Chair of the Coalition’s Public Affairs team. Bloemen also spearheaded the addition of an aerospace and aeronautics elective course at Euclid Middle School and facilitated a partnership of the Littleton school district with Lockheed Martin to support Space Day.

Bloemen has received numerous honors in the past three decades, including the A. Scott Crossfield National Aerospace Teacher of the Year award in 2002. In addition, she was runner up for the Colorado Teacher of the Year in 1998, and has been listed in Who’s Who in Education in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. She has received Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Award four times and has been inducted into the Crown Circle for her extraordinary accomplishment in a leadership role in Aerospace Education.

In 2002, Bloemen moved to Fort Collins, Colo., and continues her career at Webber Junior High, where she teaches seventh grade science and biology.

Penny Glackman’s diverse career spans almost 40 years. After launching her career as a teaching assistant in California, Glackman served as a child development specialist, research associate and an assistant director of volunteer services before becoming a kindergarten teacher in 1985.

After a brief stint as a graduate-level instructor in child development at Pennsylvania’s Arcadia University, Glackman returned to teaching elementary-aged students in Merion, Penn.

After participating in NASA’s Educational Workshop for Elementary School Teachers (NEWEST) program at Kennedy Space Center in 1997, Glackman began infusing her classroom with space-themed curriculum. Since then, Glackman has participated in the Science Training for Enhancing Leadership and Learning through Accomplishments in Research (STELLAR) program at NASA Ames Center, as an Associate Teacher; and was part of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute Teacher Academy Project, which was established by NASA. She also participated in Students On-Line Atmospheric Research (SOLAR) program at NASA Langley Research Center in 2002.

“It is very important to continue to ensure that children are excited about learning, and that we offer a learning environment that is not confined to the classroom,” Glackman said. “I have found that space science is a way to engage, enrich and encourage a powerful learning experience for my students.”

In 2005, she received a Special Award for Excellence from the National Space Society in recognition of her pioneering efforts to support space exploration, after playing an integral role in lobbying the state of Pennsylvania to pass a resolution in support of space exploration.

Glackman, a member of NSTA, will be meeting with other educators today at the Coalition for Space Exploration’s NSTA exhibit to share the importance of integrating space education into the classroom.

The Coalition for Space Exploration is a collaboration of space industry businesses and advocacy groups whose mission is to educate and inform the public on the value and benefits of space exploration and to help ensure the United States will remain a leader in space, science and technology – key factors that will benefit every American, strengthen our nation’s economy and maintain our national security. For more information about the Coalition for Space Exploration and the nation’s Vision for Space Exploration, visit www.spacecoalition.com. For more information on how to become an advocate for America’s space program, visit www.SpaceAdvocate.com.