 January 20—Northwestern alumni Maralee Scott ’83, was recently accepted into the NASA Endeavor Science Fellowship Program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Scott graduated from Northwestern with a degree in Early Education and currently teaches sixth grade math, science and writing at Meridian Middle School in Illinois.
A NASA representative noted that Scott’s application was "one of the top received in a year where NASA received twice the amount as usual." He also commented that her application showed a number of examples of the rich support her district provides.
"One of our district science goals this year is to visit STEM schools around the country to see how this model could be implemented in our schools," Scott noted in her application. "I have a vision for becoming STEM certified through the NASA’s Endeavor Project so that I can learn the best practices for teaching my students and mentoring my colleagues."
Scott is one of 42 US science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) middle and high school teachers who will have a unique opportunity to work beside NASA engineers and mentors. The innovative program focuses on aeronautics modeling and simulation and provides teachers with the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology, explore aerospace engineering concepts, and develop hands-on lessons that will engage and inspire students.
During the past decade, there has been a lot of discussion and focus on the need for STEM programs. In 2007, the 110th Congress and President Obama signed the America Competes Act of 2007 which combined earlier major STEM education legislative proposals. In January 2011, Obama emphasized STEM education in his State of the Union.
Scott will begin the program on January 11, 2012. She and her husband, Mike ’84, currently reside in Buffalo Grove, Ill. with their two daughters.
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