Weeklong Astronaut Training Program at U.S. Space & Rocket Center Uses Innovative Lessons to Inspire Educators from Around the World
The countdown begins for five Central New York teachers who have been awarded scholarships to attend Honeywell Educators at Space Academy (HESA) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Ala., this month. The educators were recognized during an event at the Onondaga Lake Visitors Center on June 6.
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2016 HESA scholarship recipients
Pictured left to right: Stephen Bacon, Gillette Road Middle School in the North Syracuse Central School District; Heather Bermingham, Westside Academy at Blodgett in the Syracuse City School District; Susanne Sobon, Pine Grove Middle School in the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District; Donna Fortugno-Erikson, Lyncourt School in the Lyncourt Union Free School District; and Carmen Primiano, Camillus Middle School in the West Genesee Central School District
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Watch a video to see how HESA has helped a Central New York teacher inspire her students.
“A major reason why I wanted to become a science teacher was to share my enthusiasm for science and encourage as many students as I can to go into STEM fields. The difficult part is getting eighth graders interested in STEM subjects,” said Camillus Middle School Teacher Carmen Primiano. “By participating in hands-on activities at the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy I hope to bring new teaching techniques to the classroom and create memorable real-world lessons for my students.”
The award-winning scholarship program, created by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, in partnership with USSRC, is designed to help middle school math and science teachers be more effective at STEM subjects. Since its creation in 2004, HESA has graduated 2,576 educators from 56 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories.
This year, more than 200 teachers from 25 countries and 36 U.S. states and territories will attend one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 8-21.
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“Honeywell Educators at Space Academy is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, pictured above, left, presenting a flight suit to Heather Bermingham, of Westside Academy at Blodgett. “Since 2006, 31 Central New York teachers have participated in the program, which provides teachers with innovative lessons and teaching techniques to reignite their passion in teaching STEM education.”
Right: Several program alumni attended the event to congratulate the 2016 HESA scholarship recipients. Pictured left to right: alumni Sara Pieklik, Liverpool Middle School, HESA 2015; Greg Flick, North Syracuse Junior High School, HESA 2014; and Becky Loy, Minoa Elementary School, HESA 2009.
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In addition to the five Central New York teachers attending the 2016 program, LaFayette Junior/Senior High School Teacher David Amidon, a 2013 graduate of HESA, pictured above, has been selected to serve as an Alumni Ambassador. Amidon is one of four program alumni selected internationally to participate in this capacity.
Teachers will participate in 45 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction focused specifically on science and space exploration. Sessions include astronaut-style exercises such as high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.
HESA candidates complete a rigorous application process. Qualified teachers are awarded scholarships, round-trip airfare, tuition, meals, and accommodations, thanks to the generous support of Honeywell and its employees.
To date, more than 3 million students have benefited from the invaluable teaching techniques gained from HESA. For more information about HESA, visit: https://educators.honeywell.com.
Additional information:
- Video featuring program highlights
- Read more about HESA
- Follow @Hon_Citizenship on Twitter
- Like Honeywell Educators on Facebook
- Subscribe to Honeywell’s Corporate RSS feed
- See more photos from the recognition event at LakeCleanup.com
About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Educators at Space Academy is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, which focuses on five areas of vital importance: Science & Math Education, Family Safety & Security, Housing & Shelter, Habitat & Conservation, and Humanitarian Relief. Together with leading public and non-profit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com