âWho better to tell the story of space exploration than educators? As I am just starting my dissertation on science assessment, I find myself thinking about Teachers in Space from both an educator's and a researcher's perspective. My doctoral work has deepened my interest in understanding the impact of immersive professional development. I would love to explore questions such as: How do experiences like Teachers in Space influence teaching practice, student engagement, and career aspirations? How do educators translate these authentic experiences into meaningful classroom learning? I believe Teachers in Space is not only changing individual teachers it is creating ripple effects that inspire thousands of students. That story deserves to be studied, documented, and shared.â
Hi, Iâm Rachael Manzer
My Teaching Experience
I have over 20 years of experience in science education. I currently serve as the Kâ12 Science Specialist for Ellington Public Schools in Connecticut, where I lead science curriculum, assessment, and instructional initiatives while working alongside teachers and students in classrooms. Previously, I was a district STEM coach, helped build a nationally recognized STEM magnet school, and have taught elementary and middle school science. Inspiring curiosity through authentic science experiences has always been my passion.
Flight Experience
I was a finalist for the 2004 NASA Educator Astronaut Program and became part of NASA's Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers (NEAT), receiving at NASA centers helping to connect the educators and the public with NASA educational activities, launches, etc. Just about the same time, I worked as an education department as a contractor at NASA Langley Research Center, I collaborated with researchers at various NASA Centers to bring their research to the educators and the general public. I experienced a variety of flight simulators from motion-based, to spherical jet simulators, to space shuttle simulators that the astronauts trained in, as well as clean rooms and research laboratories. Through the Northrop Grumman Foundation, I flew a student experiment on a Zero-G flight. What an amazing experience to experience weightlessness. As one of the 7 to be selected for Teachers in Space program (Pathfinder) and also having facilitated numerous TIS workshops , I have also flown in gliders, aerobatic aircraft, experienced high-G centrifuge training, skydived, and participated in numerous other aviation experiences. In the past, I have also helped organize Young Eagles flights, getting students flying in planes. I love to fly when I get a chance.
Flight Experiment Experience
As a Teachers in Space and workshop facilitator, I trained educators to design and fly experiments on high-altitude balloons and have personally supported multiple balloon missions. Beyond TIS, I have experience developing and launching student experiments on high-altitude balloons, numerous sounding rockets, SpaceX, and the final Space Shuttle flight. All these experiences have given me an understanding of flight experiment design and integration.