Educators from 39 states will help NASA continue the unique connection between space exploration and the classroom. The educators are participating in a four-day workshop hosted by NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, June 15-19.

The workshop is part of a series of activities planned for educators invited to join NASA's new Network of Educator Astronaut Teachers (NEAT). The workshop features briefings about the Vision for Space Exploration, tours, members of NASA's new astronaut class, sessions for exchanging innovative lessons and teaching techniques.

"Today's classrooms have tomorrow's explorers," said Dr. Adena Williams Loston, NASA's Associate Administrator for Education. "We are looking to use the teaching skills of these educators to inspire students and to share with them the Vision for Space Exploration."

Expert peer-review panels identified approximately 200 outstanding educators during NASA's Educator Astronaut application process. NASA will interact with NEAT members through workshops and networking activities to complement the Educator Astronaut Program.

Reporters interested in attending the workshop should contact Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters by 2 p.m. CDT, Monday at: 281/483-5111. For information about NASA education programs and a listing of cities/states represented by NEAT members on the Internet, visit:

http://www.education.nasa.gov

For information about NASA and agency programs on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

text-only version of this release