Last week on the National Teacher Appreciation Day, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) proudly extended its heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable aerospace and aviation educators who are shaping the future of their state. From Tulsa to Lawton, and Alva to Broken Bow dedicated teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of aerospace leaders.
At its December 2023 meeting, the Commission approved a groundbreaking partnership with the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program, marking a significant milestone in Oklahoma’s aerospace education. This partnership introduced an after-school aviation program for 6th and 7th-grade students enrolled in Weatherford Public Schools, Pryor Public Schools, and Springdale Elementary of Tulsa Public Schools. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in Oklahoma, aimed to cultivate interest in aerospace and aeronautics while celebrating the legacy of Bessie Coleman, America’s first black female pilot.
“The ODAA is delighted to have field-tested the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program,” stated Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager. “This ten-week program has provided sixth and seventh-grade students with engaging, hands-on aviation activities and insights into important aerospace careers. Meeting Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman’s great-niece, was a highlight for students, igniting their passion for aviation.”
One student from Weatherford exclaimed, “This was the best activity I have ever had at school. It was an honor to meet Bessie Coleman’s niece. I want to become a pilot.”
Additionally, Oklahoma’s aerospace education landscape is enriched by the willingness of teachers to embrace innovative curricula, such as the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum and Choose Aerospace Program. These curricula, endorsed by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, expose students to real-life STEM capabilities and career paths, further enhancing the state’s commitment to innovation and learning.
“Our state’s aerospace education owes much of its success to our extensive network of strong teachers,” Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. “Their unwavering commitment to implementing innovative programs such as the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum, Choose Aerospace, and the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Afterschool program reflects Oklahoma’s dedication to fostering innovation and learning.”
As the second-largest industry in Oklahoma, aerospace continues to grow exponentially. Our educators play a crucial role in driving this growth by instilling a passion for aviation in their students from an early age. Programs like the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum expose students to real-life STEM capabilities, opening doors to diverse career paths within the aerospace industry.
The Department is steadfast in its commitment to making aerospace the leading industry in our state and our educators are at the forefront of this mission, shaping a workforce prepared for the demands of the aerospace sector.
Moreover, Oklahoma’s interest and success in innovative programs such as the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Afterschool program underscore the impact of our efforts on communities statewide. By introducing aviation to students at a young age, we ignite curiosity and passion, paving the way for future generations of aerospace leaders.
As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day, let us recognize and honor the invaluable contributions of our educators in shaping the future of aerospace education in Oklahoma.
For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and its education initiatives, please visit https://oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.html.
