Teacher Of The Year Award
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education has awarded five teachers across the country with the Turner Wiley Teacher of the Year Award. These outstanding teachers were nominated by their local Challenger Learning Center for their contribution to promoting the mission of the Challenger Center with students. Challenger Center for Space Science Education is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts tragically lost during the last flight of Challenger Space Shuttle 51-L. Using space exploration as a theme, Challenger Center creates positive experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, foster a long-term interest in science, math, and technology, and inspires them to pursue studies and careers in these areas.
Press Release
Teacher of The Year Press ReleaseBiographies and Photos
Challenger Center congratulates its Teacher of the Year recipients:Vicky Driver, Science Teacher & Science Department Chairperson, Connell Middle School, San Antonio, TX
Amanda Lane-Cline, Director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at American Academy, Lone Tree, CO
Pamela A. Rentner, 5th Grade Teacher at Sylvania Schools, Sylvania, OH
Thelma Ritchie, 5th Grade Teacher at Island Park Elementary School, Mercer Island, WA
Samantha Doctor, Science Teacher at Florence Nightingale School, New York, NY








