“Teachers in Space has firmly established itself as a leading force in advancing educator professional development and authentic STEM learning opportunities for both teachers and students across the country. For more than two decades, they have crafted mission-driven STEM and CubeSat design challenges and competitions that have inspired countless participants to reimagine what is possible in science education. Their innovative professional development model encourages educators to approach STEM instruction in fresh, dynamic ways, cultivating a strong sense of identity and belonging within the STEM community, NASA, and the broader landscape of technological innovation.
By actively connecting students and teachers with hands-on science and mission experiences, Teachers in Space propels participants into the exciting realms of STEM, space exploration, and innovation. Their partnership with the GISS Office of Education has been instrumental in broadening the reach and impact of educational initiatives. Together, we have launched collaborative events ranging from empowering NYCDOE educators through Beginning Engineering, Science, and Technology [BEST] instruction, to enabling NYCDOE special needs students to participate in mission balloon launches, and supporting programs like the NYPD Explorers Academy. Additionally, we have facilitated EPD training at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, among many other impactful activities.”
Hi, I’m Matt Pearce
My Teaching Experience
Over the course of more than 35 years dedicated to education, I have cultivated a broad range of teaching experience spanning formal, informal, and higher education environments. My primary passion has centered on high school and undergraduate STEM instruction, allowing me to spearhead innovative programs across biological, earth, physical, and medical sciences. Throughout my career, I have taught and mentored students and educators in urban, suburban, and rural communities from Detroit, MI, to Arvin and Santa Clarita, CA, Oxford, MI, and New York City.
In 2004, I was privileged to be selected as a NASA NEAT Teacher, where I contributed to the educator astronaut program. A decade later, in 2014, I transitioned to a leadership position at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York City. In that role, I led the development and launch of a comprehensive education initiative designed to provide professional development opportunities for educators, provide STEM engagement, and support internships, fellowships, scholarships, and capacity-building partnerships. The central mission of this initiative was to advance STEM education for learners in underserved communities, engaging audiences at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Beyond these milestones, I have taken on additional educator leadership responsibilities. These include serving as Principal Investigator for NASA’s Climate Change Research Initiative, leading NASA’s Next Gen STEM Earth Team, and supporting the leadership team of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate - Science Activation team. Currently, I also serve as a NASA OSTEM Chief Knowledge, Strategy and Technical Officer. Each of these roles has further deepened my commitment to expanding access to transformative STEM education and empowering students and educators to thrive in an ever-evolving scientific landscape.
Throughout these efforts, Teachers in Space has been a vital and collaborative partner, contributing significantly to our portfolio and program’s success.
Flight Experience
I have taken three flight lessons and done two parachute flight experience programs.
Flight Experiment Experience
I have supported educators, teams, schools and districts to engage with TIS and utilize the epic opportunities that TIS brings to the classroom and beyond. I have also led and supported numerous flight experiment to ISS, LEO, Baloon, sounding rocket and high altitude aircraft for students and teachers across the country.