Teachers

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Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award

Dr. Wendell G. Mohling
Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award
2010: Informal Teachers of Science

The Dr. Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award recognizes excellence in the field of aerospace education as outlined in the NSTA Position Statement on Aerospace Education. An award of $3000 is given to the recipient, and up to $2000 is provided to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education. The recipient of the Award will be honored during the Awards Banquet and the Aerospace Educators Luncheon at the NSTA Conference. This NSTA award is sponsored by Sally Ride Science and The Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

The winning application will become part of the NSTA Web site and thus available for use by other aerospace educators.

Award recipients agree to:

• Correspond by email, and possibly other means, with aerospace educators to share experiences and information.
• Provide NSTA answers to any questions regarding this application.
• Attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education Awards Banquet and Aerospace Educators Luncheon.

Eligibility:

Both K–12 teachers of science in formal education settings (e.g., elementary, middle, high school) and educators in informal education settings (e.g., museums, government, science centers) are eligible to apply in alternating years. For the 2010 award, only educators in an informal setting will be eligible for consideration. Individuals must be nominated for this award and have a minimum of three years teaching experience. Self-nominations will be accepted.

Award:

$3,000, and $2,000 in expenses to attend NSTA’s national conference

Download an application - http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/awards/Aerospace.pdf

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

Applications for this award will be judged on the following elements of a high quality aerospace education program (NSTA

Position Statement: Aerospace Education, 2008). The applicant’s aerospace education program should:

• Foster observation, investigation, and creative thinking, promote scientific inquiry;
  
• Address student outcomes and reflect the use of the most current information and research understandings in the field;
• Provide opportunities to connect science educators and their students with the broader aerospace science and technology community;
• Provide students with interdisciplinary, multicultural, and multi-perspective viewpoints to demonstrate how aerospace exploration and research transcends national boundaries;
• Use appropriate technologies such as modeling, simulation, or distance learning to enhance
  aerospace education learning experiences and investigations;
• Present a balance of aeronautics, space exploration, and robotics by offering a relevant context for
  learning and integrating STEM core content knowledge;
• Support of National Science Education Standards;
• Meet proper safety standards.

AWARD SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed application form with both signatures (only one signature required for self nomination).
• A narrative describing the nominee’s service and leadership in implementing aerospace education; addressing the elements of a high quality aerospace education program as outlined in the Criteria for Judging, not to exceed 750 words (double spaced).
• Evidence supporting your work as described in the narrative, not to exceed 3 pages, one side only (e.g., supplemental sample materials, documents, photographs, journal entries, student work, drawings, etc.); including a brief paragraph of explanation for each.
• Three letters of support with at least one from an education colleague who can describe the merit of the applicant’s work. Letters should not exceed two pages (single spaced) each. Letters of support should accompany packet. Letters sent separately will not be considered.
• Attach a resume or vita, not exceeding two pages (single spaced), which includes a brief description of your teaching experience, education, and previous awards and recognition.
• All correspondence must be in 12 point Times New Roman font. Upon receipt, applications become property of NSTA. Applications will not be returned to applicants. Late or faxed applications will not be accepted. All material must be submitted at the same time using the online submission process
  established for this award.
• Completed applications must be received by November 30, 2009. Electronic submission is
  preferred.