Gardnerville teacher attends space academy

Meneley Elementary teacher Kerry Badalucco was one of three teachers from Nevada and one of 288 teachers from around the world awarded a scholarship to attend the Honeywell Educators Space Academy June 13 to July 3 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in 2004, the Honeywell program is designed to provide math and science teachers with supplemental teaching techniques through real-life astronaut training and innovative educational tools

"The Honeywell program gives teachers a unique experience that heightens their ability to become even more effective educators," said Thomas Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions.

"Especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, it is critical that teachers are given the opportunity to reinvigorate their classrooms with an evolved teaching style that helps provide students with an engaging and unforgettable learning experience."

Honeywell educators participate in 45 hours of professional development, as well as an intensive educator curriculum focused on space science and exploration. Activities include classroom, laboratory and field training which are linked to science and math teaching standards. Each teacher will also participate in real-life astronaut training exercises including a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and a state-of-the-art flight dynamics programs.

"We are thrilled to welcome additional teachers to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center this year and applaud Honeywell's ongoing commitment to science and math education," said Larry Capps, chief executive officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. "Through this program, thousands of students around the world benefit from the unique experiences, activities, and learning materials provided to their teachers by Honeywell."

Each Honeywell educator receives a full scholarship following a rigorous application and selection process involving competing teachers from around the world. All costs for the Honeywell program including tuition for the six-day program, round-trip airfare, meals, accommodation and program materials, are underwritten by Honeywell and the contributions of more than 1,300 Honeywell employees.

Since the program's inception, Honeywell and its employees have sponsored 1,100 scholarships for teachers from 36 countries and 50 U.S. states. For more information on Honeywell Hometown Solutions visit www.honeywell.com/hhs.