About Us

Wynne Clarke-Anderson
Assistant Director and Director of Education
Challenger Learning Center at University of TN

How many years have you been with the Challenger Learning Center?

Since 1999.

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Why did you decide to work at a Challenger Learning Center? What was it about the organization’s mission that appealed to you? And, in retrospect, how has the experience been compared with your initial expectations?

Each year, as an 8th grade teacher, I brought my students to the Challenger Learning Center for the Encounter Earth mission. It was always the students’ and my favorite part of the school year.

I became convinced that it was the best environment for teaching science and math, and integrating them into all academic areas. I wanted to be a part of the team.

I still think the Learning Centers are first class teaching environments with outstanding professionals.

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The founding family members of Challenger Center refer to Challenger Learning Centers as living memorials to the 51-L crew. What does it mean to you when you hear that you are "continuing their mission?"

HONORED that what I do everyday completes the Challenger mission, and leads others to know and remember the Challenger crew.

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How has your Challenger Learning Center changed your community—especially in its commitment to education?

Our Learning Center is the hub of science education in this area. We set the standard in many ways for excellence in science and math education. School systems seek our knowledge and want us to be a part of their curriculums.

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What was your most memorable Challenger Learning Center experience?

Hearing June Scobee Rodgers speak at my very first Flight Directors Conference.

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What do you remember most about the Challenger mission and its crew?

I remember the diversity of the crew, and the fact that they didn’t get to complete their mission to rendezvous with Comet Halley.

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If someone were to ask you about the value of a Challenger Learning Center program, how would you respond?

The Challenger Learning Center experience is priceless. Words could never do it justice. You just have to come and see.

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