Pathfinder Applications
Every journey begins with a single step. The Pathfinder program is the first step in the journey toward our goal of putting a thousand astronaut teachers into American classrooms.
Pathfinders will be the first astronaut teachers to fly in space and return to the classroom. These Pathfinders will not only fly in space, they will also help us design the three-week training course for the large number of teachers who follow. We hope that Pathfinders will also return each summer to help us teach the course. (Can you think of a more exciting summer job?)
We are currently accepting applications for the first two Pathfinders. (We aren't sure how many Pathfinders there will eventually be. This is the first time we've run a program such as this—in fact, the first time anyone has—so we're learning as we go.)
We're looking for one Pathfinder who is knowledgeable in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) subjects. Applicants for the STEM Pathfinder slot are asked to submit a proposal for an experiment that could be performed on a suborbital flight.
We're looking for another Pathfinder who has strong skills in lesson plan development. Applications are asked to submit a lesson plan or curriculum module based on any aspect of human spaceflight. Teachers from all subject areas, STEM and non-STEM, are encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be judged on these submissions as well as their educational background and experience. Finalists will be contacted for personal interviews and additional screening.
Teachers at all grade levels, K-12, are encouraged to apply.
Due to the high degree of interest, the deadline for applications is extended to December 4, 2008, but please don't wait until the last minute. If we have two candidates whose applications are given identical weighting by the selection committee, preference may be given to the application received first, so do not delay.
To apply for the STEM Pathfinder competition, download the application here: STEM_App.doc.
To apply for the open-area Pathfinder competition, download this application: Gen_App.doc.
Completed applications should be emailed back to us at: apply@teachers-in-space.org. You may use the same email address to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the application process. Good luck, and Godspeed.
