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| | | | | Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers
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01.14.08
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In 2004, as a result of NASA's effort to select K-12 educators to train to become fully qualified astronauts, the Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers, or NEAT, was established. This network is made up of approximately 190 educators who were identified during the initial educator astronaut selection process as being superior candidates. As part of this group, the teachers are provided professional development that utilizes unique NASA content, facilities and people. The teachers are offered NASA resources, special training, and experiences at NASA centers. NEAT members serve as advocates for NASA and promote NASA education efforts.
Currently managed under the Educator Astronaut Project, as part of NASA's Elementary and Secondary Program portfolio, the Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers addresses three major education goals identified by NASA:
--Strengthening of NASA's and the nation's future workforce.
--Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines.
--Engaging the American public in NASA’s missions.
NEAT seeks to attract and retain students in STEM disciplines through a progression of educational opportunities for students and teachers. The primary focus of the Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers is to provide long-duration professional development and training opportunities to educators that result in deeper content understanding and/or competence and confidence in teaching STEM disciplines.
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