Professional Development | News

Honeywell Awards PD Scholarships

  • By Mike Hohenbrink
  • 05/23/12

Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 185 teachers from 19 countries and 37 American states to attend a simulated astronaut training and professional development program in June in at the United States Space & Rocket Center.

The Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy program stresses effective teaching methods to encourage student interest in the subjects of math and science.

"Inspiring students begins with inspiring teachers," said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions. "As a leading technology company, Honeywell is committed to promoting science and math education and encouraging the next generation of technologists and engineers. Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy helps teachers move beyond the standard math and science curriculum and approach their lessons in new and innovative ways."

As part of the program, educators take part in 45 hours of professional development and an intensive curriculum that stresses space science and exploration. Many of the activities and exercises are linked to science and math teaching standards for the U.S.

In addition, educators also undergo a simulated astronaut training program that includes:

  • A high-performance jet simulation;
  • Scenario-based space mission;
  • Land and water survival training; and
  • Interactive flight dynamics programs.

The competitive program offers a full scholarship for selected educators for the six-day program with all expenses covered.

To date, more than 1,650 teachers representing 44 countries and every state in the U.S. have taken part in the program.

"Honeywell is making a substantial STEM contribution by targeting teachers," said Deborah Barnhart, chief executive officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and former VP of space exploration for Honeywell. "Recent Congressional testimony noted that educating teachers in technology is the most effective way to increase student interest in STEM. As in all of their business endeavors, Honeywell is leading the way in STEM as well!"

More information on the program is available at educators.honeywell.com.

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