Last week on the National Teacher Appreciation Day, the\nOklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) proudly extended its\nheartfelt gratitude to the remarkable aerospace and aviation educators who are\nshaping the future of their state. From Tulsa to Lawton, and Alva to Broken Bow\ndedicated teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of\naerospace leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At its December 2023 meeting, the Commission approved a\ngroundbreaking partnership with the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Program,\nmarking a significant milestone in Oklahoma’s aerospace education. This\npartnership introduced an after-school aviation program for 6th and 7th-grade\nstudents enrolled in Weatherford Public Schools, Pryor Public Schools, and\nSpringdale Elementary of Tulsa Public Schools. This pioneering initiative, the\nfirst of its kind in Oklahoma, aimed to cultivate interest in aerospace and\naeronautics while celebrating the legacy of Bessie Coleman, America’s first\nblack female pilot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe ODAA is delighted to have field-tested the Bessie\nColeman Aviation All-Star Program,\u201d stated Paula Kedy, Statewide Aerospace STEM\nEducation Manager. “This ten-week program has provided sixth and\nseventh-grade students with engaging, hands-on aviation activities and insights\ninto important aerospace careers. Meeting Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman\u2019s\ngreat-niece, was a highlight for students, igniting their passion for\naviation.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One student from Weatherford exclaimed, \u201cThis was the best\nactivity I have ever had at school. It was an honor to meet Bessie Coleman\u2019s\nniece. I want to become a pilot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Oklahoma’s aerospace education landscape is\nenriched by the willingness of teachers to embrace innovative curricula, such\nas the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum and Choose Aerospace Program. These\ncurricula, endorsed by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics,\nexpose students to real-life STEM capabilities and career paths, further\nenhancing the state’s commitment to innovation and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Our state’s aerospace education owes much of its\nsuccess to our extensive network of strong teachers,” Grayson Ardies,\nExecutive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.\n“Their unwavering commitment to implementing innovative programs such as\nthe AOPA You Can Fly curriculum, Choose Aerospace, and the Bessie Coleman\nAviation All-Star Afterschool program reflects Oklahoma’s dedication to\nfostering innovation and learning.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the second-largest industry in Oklahoma, aerospace\ncontinues to grow exponentially. Our educators play a crucial role in driving\nthis growth by instilling a passion for aviation in their students from an\nearly age. Programs like the AOPA You Can Fly curriculum expose students to\nreal-life STEM capabilities, opening doors to diverse career paths within the\naerospace industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department is steadfast in its commitment to making\naerospace the leading industry in our state and our educators are at the\nforefront of this mission, shaping a workforce prepared for the demands of the\naerospace sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, Oklahoma’s interest and success in innovative\nprograms such as the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Star Afterschool program\nunderscore the impact of our efforts on communities statewide. By introducing\naviation to students at a young age, we ignite curiosity and passion, paving\nthe way for future generations of aerospace leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Day, let us\nrecognize and honor the invaluable contributions of our educators in shaping\nthe future of aerospace education in Oklahoma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n