Recipients Recognized for Commitment to STEM Education and Local Challenger Learning Centers

WASHINGTON (May 20, 2013) – Challenger Center for Space Science Education (Challenger Center) announced today the recipients of its 2013 Teacher of the Year award. Five elementary and middle school teachers were named recipients of the award which recognizes educators who exemplify the spirit of Challenger Center’s educational mission and share a commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning.

Challenger Center congratulates the 2013 Award recipients:

– Claire Barnette, 6th Grade Science, Brookside School, Allendale, N.J.
– Jenni Esser, Middle School Science, Peyton Junior & Senior High School, Peyton, Colo.
– Julie Rohl, 6th Grade Science/Math, Rockford Christian School, Rockford, Ill.
– Erik Taylor, 3rd – 6th Grade Science, City Academy School, St. Louis, Miss.
– Dane Wear, 6th Grade Science, Eureka Middle School, Eureka, Ill.

“These award recipients are individuals who have chosen to dedicate their lives to educating our future leaders. Each day in the classroom, they use their passion for STEM subjects to make a positive impact on their students,” said Dr. Lance Bush, president and CEO, Challenger Center. “We are grateful for the commitment they have made to incorporate Challenger Learning Center lessons into their classrooms and strengthen students’ knowledge in STEM subject areas.”

Nominations were made by Directors from Challenger Learning Centers located across the U.S, Canada, U.K. and South Korea. Directors nominated these educators because of the strong relationship the educator has developed with the local Center and the impact the educator makes on his/her students.

The five recipients of the award will be honored by their local Challenger Learning Center and will receive a congratulatory letter from Challenger Center Founding Chair Dr. June Scobee Rodgers. Recognition also includes the presentation of a historical, limited edition Apollo 8 medallion produced by NASA. The medallions contain small amounts of pure aluminum carried into space by Apollo astronaut Frank Borman and were struck in honor of Apollo 8, the historic mission that culminated in man’s first orbit of the moon.

The medallions are special gifts from the late Mr. Turner N. Wiley, a supporter of Challenger Center and former Chief of NASA’s Communication Branch for Engineering at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. His gift is used to honor teachers who perform exemplary work in science education and to reward educators who are working in both classrooms and Challenger Learning Centers to cultivate the next generation of space science explorers.

About Challenger Center for Space Science Education

Using space exploration as a theme and simulation as a vehicle, Challenger Center for Space Science Education and its international network of more than 45 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, foster long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspire students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs and engage more than 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops, and other programs. Founded in 1986, Challenger Center for Space Science Education was created to honor the seven astronauts of shuttle flight STS-51-L: Commander Dick Scobee, Gregory Jarvis, Christa McAuliffe, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, and Michael J. Smith. To learn more about Challenger Center, visit www.challenger.org.

Lisa Vernal
Director of Communications
Challenger Center for Space Science Education
422 First Street SE, 3rd Fl.
Washington, DC 20003
Main Office: 202-827-1580
Direct: +1.202.827.1573
lvernal@challenger.org