NASA Lift Off-A Teacher PD Opportunity at Johnson Space Center
The Lift Off Summer Institute is a week-long training program for K-12 educators at Johnson Space Center. This year’s theme is “Growing on Earth and Beyond.” The training will focus on the role plants will play in extended space missions. The presentation will be a first hand account of the training from a Montana teacher that attended. Lessons and resources will be shared as well as how to apply for this opportunity sponsored by the Montana Space Grant Consortium.
Anna Gomez-Morris
I have been in education for 26 years and a classroom teacher for 21 years. I have a B.S. degree in Deaf Education from Texas Christian University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University. I have a Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. I have worked as a sign language interpreter and life skills aide. I have taught 4th, 5th, and 8th grades, and I currently teach 6th grade Earth Science at Belgrade Middle School. I also serve as the science department head and 6th grade team leader. I have worked as a consultant for Carolina Biological Supply Company, and I am an alumnus of NASA’s Liftoff Program for Teachers. I have raised two amazing children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, camping, and spending time with my two dachshunds. I currently live in Three Forks, Montana.
Connie Michael
Connie Michael is a 5th-grade teacher at Crow Agency Public School in Crow Agency, Montana. Connie is an experienced educator having taught in Montana for 10 years and previously taught in Wenatchee, Washington for 22 years. Connie was the 2023 Montana Environmental Science Teacher of the Year. Most recently she has worked to develop her own knowledge of engineering and design to encourage and educate her rural students of opportunities they may not be aware of. Connie has participated in the Teacher Innovator Institute for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum 2023-2024 and participated in Liftoff 2024. It is Connie’s goal to bring innovative lessons back to her community while incorporating Indigenous knowledge.