Weeklong Program Uses Innovative Lessons to Inspire Educators from Around the World
Three Central New York teachers are gearing up for the trip of a lifetime at Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy (HESA) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. The educators, Lincoln Middle School teacher Kathleen Boyce, East Syracuse Elementary School teacher Molly McGarry, and Liverpool Middle School teacher Sara Pieklik, were awarded scholarships from Honeywell to attend the weeklong program.
“Memorizing facts and formulas is often meaningless for students when they don’t have an experience to which they can connect the information,” said 2015 HESA teacher Sara Pieklik, pictured above. “Students are better able to retain and recall information when they engage with the material as part of a memorable experience. I am looking forward to participating in the hands-on activities at Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy and am excited to bring these real-world experiences back to my classroom for my students.”
Created 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.
Left: After presenting 2015 HESA teacher Kathleen Boyce with her flight suit, Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe listens as Boyce describes Space Academy to her students at Lincoln Middle School in Syracuse, New York. Right: During an assembly at Liverpool Middle School, New York State Senator David J. Valesky surprises 2015 HESA teacher Sara Pieklik with a proclamation in recognition of her acceptance to HESA.
This year, 205 teachers from 24 countries, including 104 from 39 U.S. states and territories, will attend one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 10-23. Teachers will be given rigorous training focused on science and space exploration including astronaut-style exercises like high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space mission, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.
“Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy provides teachers with innovative lessons and teaching techniques to reignite their passion in teaching STEM education,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe, pictured above, left, speaking to students at East Syracuse Elementary School. “Central New York is fortunate to have had 31 local educators selected to participate in HESA since 2006. The teachers are now leading their districts, classrooms, and students, inspiring future scientists and engineers.” Right: 2015 HESA teacher Molly McGarry (right) is joined by 2014 HESA alumna Carolyn Scott.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in the last 10 years, the demand for STEM-related jobs grew three times faster than jobs in other fields. However, according to the U.S. Education Department, only 16 percent of high school seniors are considered proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career. Only half of those students who pursue STEM courses in college actually go on to careers in STEM fields.
Since 2004, 2,381 math and science teachers from 55 countries and 52 U.S. states and territories have been awarded scholarships to attend HESA. The educators have shared their experiences and knowledge with more than 2 million students, inspiring many to pursue STEM education and careers. From winning grants from local and federal governments, to entering students in international and NASA educational projects, to creating STEM-focused after school programs, the impact of HESA is continuing beyond the classroom.
To attend HESA, candidates must complete a thorough application process. Qualified teachers are awarded scholarships, round-trip airfare, tuition, meals and accommodations sponsored by Honeywell and its employees.
Supporting Resources
- Video featuring program highlights
- Read more about HESA
- Follow @Hon_Citizenshipon Twitter
- Like Honeywell Educators on Facebook
- Subscribe to Honeywell’s Corporate RSS feed
About Honeywell Hometown Solutions
Honeywell Educators @ 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/hometown-solutions/.
