Inspired Teachers at the Educator Institute

It was a moving experience to stand in the Mission Control room of the Challenger Center at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and watch the shuttle launch. Not just to see the launch in high-definition, but to be surrounded by a group of very inspired and motivated teachers who had attended the Sally Ride Science STS-118 Educator Institute at the San Diego Air & Space Museum just days before. There were two levels of high emotion - one was the feeling of personal investment from the teachers, who had just learned so much about this important mission, and clapped and cheered at each key moment in the launch. The other was the sense of fulfillment for the Challenger Center, set up to continue the educational mission of STS 51-L. At last, there was a teacher in space, and there was a strong sense that some long-term wishes were finally coming true.

I love how this mission, in partnership with organizations such as Sally Ride Science, has inspired and ignited interest in so many educators around the nation and the world, who feel like they are riding along with the crew, and in turn are motivating the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. It's a buzz that will continue long after this mission is over.