Professional Development

We believe that investing in teachers significantly increases student achievement and opportunities for success in all areas.

Space Across the Curriculum

We recognize that teachers face many challenges in developing lesson plans that engage students, meet district and state standards and are fun and rewarding to deliver. This is why we place a great deal of focus on delivering professional development to educators with programs that meet education standards by integrating science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) into daily curriculum. Our courses use space as the “hook” to engage students and provide activities that are instantly transferable to the classroom. Our Teacher Liaison program links master educators from around the globe for networking, support and exchange.

Educator Professional Development Workshops

The Space Foundation offers a number of programs for all teachers:

  • Classes held at the Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, CO
  • Attend classes online if you can't attend in person
  • Courses can be conducted for half-day or full-day sessions at your school
  • Professional development courses can be a part of the Space in the Community program
Teachers on Mars

Teachers engage in a remote Mars mission in the Space Foundation Discovery Center Mars Robotics Laboratory in a professional development course.

Train-the-Trainer Teacher Professional Development Workshop

Join us for a week-long project-based educator professional development workshop that will inspire, educate, and empower educators through the power of STEM learning.  Participants will receive tools, resources, and materials that are adaptable to any learning environment.  

This workshop is comprised of two separate courses: Course A - Project Asteria and Course B - Connections to Space.  

Course A: Project Asteria – A Lunar Outpost  

Participants in this course will learn how to train the NEXT generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers for positions within the aerospace community. Through an immersive, project-based learning, educational experience, participants will embark on a journey to develop the VERY FIRST human Lunar Outpost, culminating in a presentation that addresses ALL THINGS REQUIRED for a new space civilization. 

Course B: Connections to Space – Advocating for Innovation & Improving Life on Earth

Participants in this course will discover the numerous uses of space technologies directly benefiting humankind today, including the role that NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory played in providing life-saving ventilators to hospitals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, participants will explore ways to incorporate space technologies into their classrooms through hands-on lessons and demonstrations, all aligned to the Next Generation Science and Engineering Standards, including space transportation and design, robotics, communications, power, and beyond. 

When: June 26-30, 2023, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., daily 

Where: Space Foundation Headquarters, 4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (In person only 

Cost: One-time investment fee of $325 (valued at $2,000). (Transportation and travel costs are not included)  

Attendance Cap: 20 teachers per course 

What’s Included: 40 Professional Development Hours (Certificate will be emailed after completion of final survey)

Space Foundation Teacher Webinars

Teachers face many challenges in the classroom such as decreased funding, lack of ideas and time for developing lesson plans which engage students, as well as time to create lesson which are fun and rewarding to deliver.

We have the solution! We are producing instant, online training and support to help you be the best teacher you can be and save you time and energy! Join our Space Education Specialists, who are former classroom master teachers, in our new Space Across the Curriculum Webinars and Space Foundation Lunch Bytes.

webinar graphic

Keep your eyes peeled for announcements of our upcoming training's through our web site, social media and direct emails. We look forward to “seeing” you in one of our new virtual sessions!

Space Across the Curriculum Webinars

Space Across the Curriculum Webinars are our NEW half-day, teacher professional development seminars offered during LIVE presentations virtually which you can log into from anywhere including from home! Learn new lessons, watch hands-on activities and interact with the presenters!

Check back for our next webinar date!

For a full list of available topics and times, please contact the Education department at [email protected]

Start Today to Build a Brighter Future!

For further information, call the Space Foundation at 719.319.3678 or 800.691.4000