Two Teachers from Indonesia Joined the 10th Anniversary of Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy
JAKARTA, July 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Binar Sejati and Melva Manalu, two science teachers from West Java, were among more than 200 teachers from around the world to receive a scholarship for Honeywell (NYSE: HON) program called Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy (HESA) — the “game-changing” experience celebrating its 10th anniversary of inspiring teachers who, in turn, inspire students to pursue science and math education and careers.
Created in partnership with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC), Honeywell (NYSE: HON) developed the award-winning scholarship program to help middle school math and science teachers become more effective educators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). During the past ten years, Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 2,176 teachers from 56 countries.
“Inspiring students begins with inspiring teachers,” said Alex J. Pollack, president of Honeywell Indonesia. “HESA gives teachers an engaging and unforgettable learning experience that heightens their ability to become even more effective educators. I am glad that more Indonesian teachers are getting the opportunity to join this terrific program.”
This year, 204 teachers from 27 countries attended one of two five-day programs offered over consecutive weeks from June 11-24 at the USSRC in Huntsville, Alabama. Teachers were given rigorous training focused on science and space exploration including astronaut-style exercises like high-performance jet simulation, scenario-based space mission, land and water survival training, and interactive flight dynamics programs.
Both Sejati and Manalu said the program exceeded their expectation and they have learned a lot during the best week of their lives.
“I was impressed that the entire program relied heavily on interdependence,” said Sejati who is teaching at the Darul Hikam International School. “I realised that the STEM learning is one that will bring students attention, passion, and curiosity. If we combine that with team work, the result will be magnificent. I look forward to integrate my learning in my class.”
Manalu from the SDK Plus BPK Penabur said, “Everything in this program enhanced our understanding not only about space, but also about math, chemistry, technology, and even history. I learned about the authentic integration of science, math and other subjects, the importance of team work, and how to develop enthusiasm among students.”
Since 2004, educators have shared their experiences and knowledge to more than 2 million students, inspiring many to pursue STEM education and careers. From winning grants from local and federal governments, to entering students in international and NASA educational projects, to creating STEM-focused after school programs, the impact of the program is continuing beyond the classroom. To help mark the program’s decade-long run, 10 HESA alumni were selected, one representing each year, to be the guests-of-honor at the graduation ceremony on June 23.
“This program is all about re-igniting passion in teachers,” said Tom Buckmaster, president of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the company’s global citizenship initiative responsible for HESA. “STEM subjects are some of the most challenging to teach, but this experience helps teachers discover new ways of delivering lesson plans to the next generation of engineers, programmers, mathematicians and astronauts.”
