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Dwayne Brown
Headquarters, Washington			March 6, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1726)

Cindy Workosky
National Science Teachers Association, Arlington, Va.
(Phone: 703/312-9248)

RELEASE: 03-098

EDUCATOR ASTRONAUT REPORT CARD:
Science Teachers Express Support

     Science teachers across the Nation overwhelmingly believe 
educators belong on future NASA Space Shuttle missions, according to 
an email-based survey conducted by the world's largest science 
teacher's organization following the Columbia tragedy.

The survey, conducted by the National Science Teachers Association 
(NSTA) February 10-14, indicates more than 91 percent believe teachers 
should have a place aboard future Space Shuttle missions, and the 
endeavor has great educational value. Science teachers also believe 
Educator Astronauts could spark student interest in science and
mathematics careers. Science teachers also strongly believe Educator 
Astronauts can serve as role models to instill in students an 
understanding of how science and mathematics are applicable in the 
real world. 

Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan, Educator Astronaut Program 
Co-Managers, Leland Melvin and Debbie Brown, will be attending the 
NSTA Convention in Philadelphia March 27-30, 2003 to encourage 
teachers to apply to become permanent members of the Astronaut Corps. 

Morgan and Brown will speak at a Special Feature Presentation March 29 
at 8 a.m. in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and Morgan will be 
the guest lecturer at the Aerospace Educators Luncheon from noon to 2 
p.m. EST, also in the convention center. Media desiring to attend the 
luncheon should call 703/312-9371 for press credentials.

The Educator Astronaut Program has received more than 5,300 
nominations since the program debuted on January 21. Texas leads with 
831, followed by Florida with 482, and California with 416.

The application deadline is quickly approaching. Nominations and 
applications for NASA's Educator Astronaut Program are due by April 
30.

Information about the National Science Teachers Association survey is 
available at:

http://www.nsta.org/pressroom&news_story_ID=47920

Information about the National Science Teachers Association National 
Convention is available at:

http://www.nsta.org/main/pressreg/pressrelease.asp

To learn more about the Educator Astronaut Program and other NASA 
education activities on the Internet, visit:

http://edspace.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA on the Internet, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov

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