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Program Description:
The VSCS online course consists of five NASA-developed modules compiled to expand students’ knowledge of aerospace history, science, exploration, and technology and prepare the selected Scholars for participation in a Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, VA. Learning will take place through weekly reading assignments, simulations, viewing video segments, conducting engineering design challenges, and participating in online discussions. Learning will be demonstrated through the completion of case study analyses, real-world math application problems, quizzes, participation in online discussions, essays, and a capstone experience. These activities are submitted in sequential order every four weeks and posted through the VSCS online course website. All activities within the modules are reviewed and evaluated by a certified Virginia educator through the online system, with detailed feedback provided.
Teacher Qualifications: We are looking for teachers with the following experience:
• Holds a current teaching license in a STEM subject for Virginia secondary school
• Formal education experience teaching earth science, aviation, and/or integrative STEM education, preferred
• Ability to attend mandatory Master Teacher Training on November 4, 2023.
• Moodle coursework/programming a plus
Facilitation of Online Coursework
The Master Teacher will facilitate the VSCS online coursework for approximately 30 Scholars in preparation for the potential participation in the Summer Academies at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Wallops Island, VA. The purpose of the VSCS program is to provide online coursework for the Scholars to acquire knowledge of NASA, Earth and Aerospace exploration, and key STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. The top 120 performing Scholars from across Virginia who successfully complete the coursework will attend a seven-day, residential program in which they will undertake a teamed-aerospace mission design project at WFF.
The objective of the VSCS coursework and Summer Academy is to create a pipeline to STEM-related higher education studies and aerospace-related fields by providing relevant content and experiences on aspects of designing and conducting missions launched or integrated at WFF, mostly focused on Earth Science-related missions. Students will be exposed to NASA professionals who serve as career role models. Master Teachers for the Summer Academies will be chosen from instructors facilitating the online coursework. Master Teachers report to Joyce Kuberek, VSCS STEM Education Program Coordinator – Virginia Space Grant Consortium.
Master Teacher Stipend: $1800 for online course content grading and forum participation
Responsibilities:
• Grade modules submitted by the scholars and final project promptly using prescribed performance rubrics. Online course module assignments that the students complete are due every three to four weeks beginning in November. See Student Important Dates for module content due dates.
• Provide personalized and timely feedback (within one week of submission) of assignments using the Moodle online coursework management website. Input grades into the system. Include comments regarding exemplary work and areas that need improvement. Provide examples of how work could be improved.
• Monitor scholar’ performance, quality of assignments, online posts, and replies within the discussion forums. Contact students individually as needed. Send VSGC copies of correspondence via email if concerns arise.
• Ensure online discussions are appropriate and topic-relevant. Address students individually through email if a breach of online etiquette occurs. Send VSGC copies of such correspondence via email.
• Maintain performance data and tracking of student performance using the online system. Alert VSGC of students who are falling behind on assignments and noting the follow-up taken.
• Correspond with VSCS scholars and NASA mentors through online discussion forums, synchronous chat sessions, and email through the Moodle site.
• Complete Post-Course evaluation surveys
VSCS Coursework Training
A mandatory virtual training session will be held on November 4, 2023. You will be sent further instructions prior to training.
Application Instructions
Deadline: October 15, 2023
Teachers are required to submit an online application by the October 15th deadline.
Online application:
Once you have submitted the online application, you will receive an email confirming the submission. See the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of this page to apply.
Letters of Recommendation:
Two letters of recommendation should be provided by a current or former supervisor, department chair, school administrator, or someone who can attest to the applicant’s professional qualifications. Once the applicant has submitted their application, the system will email the specified individuals instructions on how to submit their online letters of recommendation. Would you please inform them that they will be receiving an email from applications@spacegrant.org with these instructions?
All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the online application system. Letters of recommendation submitted in any other manner will not be accepted.
Important Note: It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up with the people who are providing letters of recommendation to ensure the recommendations are submitted electronically by the deadline. The applicant will receive an email notification when each of these letters is submitted.