U.S. Space & Rocket Center Program Helps Inspire Educators from Around the World
Four local teachers have returned to Central New York with innovative lesson plans after participating in an intensive five-day educator training mission at Honeywell Educators at Space Academy (HESA) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The educators, Camillus Middle School teacher Katherine Clift, Pine Grove Middle School teacher Sally Mitchell, Roxboro Road Middle School teacher Colleen O’Connor, and Van Buren Elementary School teacher Sarah Parrish, were awarded scholarships from Honeywell to attend HESA, which provides simulated astronaut training focused on space science and exploration.
![01 “Participation in HESA was an inspirational and meaningful professional development experience,” said Katherine Clift, pictured above third from right. “The skills I learned in one week will help enhance my ability to teach science to my students for years to come.”](http://www.lakecleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/01.jpg)
“Participation in HESA was an inspirational and meaningful professional development experience,” said Katherine Clift, pictured above third from right. “The skills I learned in one week will help enhance my ability to teach science to my students for years to come.”
![video Watch a video about how HESA helped a Central New York teacher inspire her students.](http://www.lakecleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/video.jpg)
Watch a video about how HESA helped a Central New York teacher inspire her students.
In partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Honeywell developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators and encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and careers.
![02 Left: Katherine Clift completes a mission at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Right: Colleen O’Connor in a gravity chair.](http://www.lakecleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/02.jpg)
Left: Katherine Clift completes a mission at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Right: Colleen O’Connor in a gravity chair.
“I want to thank Honeywell for providing such an incredible experience for our teachers,” said Camillus Middle School Principal Beth Lozier. “Scientists and engineers are changing the world, and we need our students to be ready to pick up the work currently in progress.”
This year, more than 200 teachers from 33 countries around the world attended one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 14-27. Teachers received rigorous training focused on science and space exploration, including astronaut-style exercises such as high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and interactive flight-dynamics programs.
![03 “Central New York has sent 40 educators to participate in HESA’s innovative lessons and teaching techniques since 2004,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, speaking to students at Van Buren Elementary School. “These teachers are leading their districts, classrooms, and students, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.” Right: Several Camillus Middle School teachers have participated in HESA. Pictured left to right: Tammy Annicharico, Katherine Clift, retired teacher Sue Potrikus, and Carmen Primiano with John McAuliffe.](http://www.lakecleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/03.jpg)
“Central New York has sent 40 educators to participate in HESA’s innovative lessons and teaching techniques since 2004,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, speaking to students at Van Buren Elementary School. “These teachers are leading their districts, classrooms, and students, and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Right: Several Camillus Middle School teachers have participated in HESA.
Pictured left to right: Tammy Annicharico, Katherine Clift, retired teacher Sue Potrikus, and Carmen Primiano with John McAuliffe.
Since 2004, more than 2,776 educators from 62 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories have graduated from the program.
![04 “It was truly an honor and a privilege to have been selected to attend HESA,” said Sarah Parrish, pictured above, left, with Sally Mitchell during a water survival demonstration. “Each day allowed me to wonder, ask questions, and stretch my brain as I learned and explored how space exploration and STEM concepts can be integrated into my curriculum in new and unique ways.”](http://www.lakecleanup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/04.jpg)
“It was truly an honor and a privilege to have been selected to attend HESA,” said Sarah Parrish, pictured above, left, with Sally Mitchell during a water survival demonstration. “Each day allowed me to wonder, ask questions, and stretch my brain as I learned and explored how space exploration and STEM concepts can be integrated into my curriculum in new and unique ways.”
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.
For more information about HESA, visit: https://educators.honeywell.com.
About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s corporate citizenship initiative, 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 nonprofit institutions, Honeywell has developed powerful programs to address these needs in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://citizenship.honeywell.com.