The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Little Cypress Junior High teacher Susan Harsh of Orange has won an all-paid scholarship to Honeywell Educators at Space Academy in Huntsville, Ala.

There, she will participate in real-life astronaut training--such as high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions and water survival training--this June, joining 220 teachers from 17 countries and 44 states.

Honeywell recently announced the scholarships. Teachers will attend the program at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville from June 11 to June 23. This event is one element of the company’s award winning math and science education initiative.

Created in partnership with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in 2004, the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program is designed to help teachers move beyond the standard math and science curriculum with supplemental teaching techniques developed through real-life astronaut training.

“Through the program we have trained more than 1,100 science and math teachers to become more engaging and inspiring educators,” said Thomas Buckmaster, President, Honeywell Hometown Solutions. “This unique hands-on learning experience reinvigorates science, technology, engineering and math education in classrooms around the globe.”

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 exercises, which are linked to U.S. science and math teaching standards. Each teacher will also undergo real-life astronaut training including a high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space missions, land and water survival training, and a state-of-the-art flight dynamics programs.

“As a teacher I love the idea of exposing students to new experiences. The week at Huntsville gives me plenty of material to do just that in my classroom,” said Steve Chance, 2009 Space Camp alumni. “The frosting-on-the-cake was to spend time with so many dedicated and enthusiastic teachers. That always refreshes me for the new year.”

Each Honeywell Educator receives a full scholarship following a rigorous application and selection process involving competing teachers from around the world. Scholarships include tuition for the six-day program, roundtrip airfare, meals, accommodation and program materials, all underwritten by Honeywell and contributions from Honeywell employees.

“Once again, Honeywell is sending a stellar group of teachers to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and we are honored to have the opportunity to provide them with relevant professional development in science, technology, and mathematics,” said Larry Capps, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “Teachers who have participated in previous sessions are now making a difference in classrooms around the world as they inspire the next generation of explorers. We look forward to working with the Honeywell Educator Class of 2010 as we continue our mission.”

Since the program’s inception, Honeywell and its employees have sponsored more than 1,100 scholarships for teachers from 37 countries and 49 U.S. states, to participate in the Honeywell Educators at Space Academy programs.

Harsh also recently received the Reaud Excellence in Education award- sponsored by the Beaumont Foundation and the Conservation Teacher of the Year award for the Texas Soil and Water District IV.

She helps sponsor an annual environment fair that targets 2nd-6th graders. The money that is raised is used to improve an outdoor classroom she helped to develop and design.

Harsh aslo sponsors Robotics, Uil and the Spirit Cubs in addition to being the head of the science department.