ANNOUNCEMENTS
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NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI)
Program Dates: August 1 - 13, 2010
Application deadline: Open until filled.
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Program Description
The NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) is a two-week summer residential program for college students who are preparing to teach in elementary or middle schools. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) administers the institute.
The program is designed to increase students’ skills in teaching mathematics and science, while incorporating technology in the curriculum. This is achieved through the development of a problem-based learning (PBL) aerospace theme. Each student is assigned to an Institute Flight Team. Students develop a lesson that they teach to children from a local school and will teach in an elementary or middle school when they return home. NASA Strives to ensure that underrepresented and underserved students participate in NASA research and education programs to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers. One main goal of the PSTI is to increase the number of underserved and underrepresented teachers in the STEM fields. Students from HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and/or students participating in programs that emphasize teaching underrepresented/underserved students are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Financial Support Package is provided to all participants upon successful completion of all requirements of the two-week PSTI Institute
$500 stipend and a meal allowance
Travel reimbursements up to $400 for students coming from over 400 miles from Palmdale, CA, and up to $200 for students coming from less than 400 miles, with receipts. Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. (Travel reimbursements will be provided upon arrival with timely submission of necessary forms and receipts.)
Double occupancy hotel covered for 12 nights (check-in August 1st, check-out August 13th).
Complimentary breakfast will be provided at the hotel. Snacks and weekend meals are the responsibility of the individual participant and are not eligible for reimbursements
Resource materials including notebooks, educator guides, supplies and curriculum will be provided to participants at the workshop. Participants are encouraged to bring their personal wireless laptop computer for the two-week institute.
College credit (3 units) given to PSTI participants by CSUF upon successful completion of the program.
Successful Completion Includes Program Objectives
- Model and promote the use of scientific inquiry through problem-based learning for pre-service teachers.
- Enhance the knowledge of pre-service teachers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using content from NASA's Directorates.
- Promote enthusiasm and self-confidence for teaching science and mathematics for pre-service teachers of young children.
- Increase skills in teaching mathematics and science while incorporating technology into the curriculum.
- Provide pre-service teachers with a variety of alternative instructional strategies.
Eligibility
Candidates must
Be a U.S. Citizen (the program is not open to foreign nationals) and at least 18 years of age.
Have an overall 3.0 Grade Point Average or higher.
Be a full-time college student at an accredited university. Be a rising junior or senior, prospective teacher going into the K-8 classroom, or a graduate student in K-8 with no undergraduate degree in education.
Have successfully completed at least one math or science class.
Have a current e-mail address, checked regularly.
Have a current phone number.
Have not attended a Pre-Service Teacher Institute at one of the NASA Centers.
Have the recommendation of a science, mathematics, or education professor.
Program Sponsor
Funding provided by NASA Aeronautic Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), through NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
NASA Dryden PSTI Application:
Click here for the PDF version of the application: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) Application (PDF)
Click here for the Word document version of the application: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) Application (Word)
Click here for the PDF version of the recommendation form: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) Recommendation Form (PDF)
Click here for the PDF version of the recommendation form: NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute (PSTI) Recommendation Form (Word)
Submit (in person or mail) application materials to:
NASA PSTI Application
Science Education Programs Office (MH-527)
California State University Fullerton
800 N. State College
Fullerton, CA 92834
Email questions regarding the program and application to:
Victoria Costa, Director of Science EducationReturn to Top
vcosta@fullerton.edu
FAQs
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Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen in order to apply?
Yes. The program is solely for those with U.S. citizenship.After successfully completing a PSTI, can I apply to a second PSTI?
No, each participant can attend only one PSTI. The PSTI is an entrance-level program designed for students who have not had an opportunity to participate in a PBL guided environment.I'm a freshman undergraduate student, and if this program is for undergraduate students, why can't I participate?
This program is designed for students that will be entering the teaching workforce and PSTI will provide resources they can use in the classroom.
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Is it possible for me to send in an application now and remain on file for consideration next year?
No, your application will only be considered for the current year.Can my application, transcripts, and references be sent by e-mail or fax?
No. Your complete application must be submitted to the Science Education Programs Office (MH-527) at California State University, Fullerton by the posted deadline.Who should I get to write my references?
References should be submitted by someone familiar with your academic achievements and your academic ability. It is required that you provide one recommendation letter from your college mathematics, science, or education professor.Am I required to submit transcripts?
Yes. You must request an official transcript from your current institution. The official transcript must be included in your complete application package. On the application, you are required to list all science and mathematics courses taken and for which you are currently enrolled. Grades received must be listed for all completed courses.Will you let me know if you are missing parts of my application?
No. It is your responsibility to ensure that your PSTI application package is completed and mailed to the PSTI Program Coordinator by the posted deadline. Your PSTI application package must be received by the deadline in order to be considered.
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How does the selection process work?
When the deadline for all applications arrives, an application review committee will review all the completed PSTI applications. The review committee will then set up telephone interviews. All candidates who turn in a completed application (it must include ALL parts of the application) on time will be given an interview. The education personnel at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center are involved in the selection process.How are applications judged?
Your application will be judged on your K-8 educational experience, your completed application, your essay, references comments and how well you answer questions on a scheduled telephone interview. You will also be judged on your commitment to a career in K-8 teaching.When and how will I find out if I’ve been selected?
Notification of your selection will be received via e-mail from NASA Dryden Flight Research Center PSTI Coordinator. This notification will then be followed up with an email notification and other documents explaining the details of the two-week PSTI Program. Please check your e-mail frequently! You will be given 1 week in which to accept an offer once it has been made. Reply to the email stating whether or not you will be accepting the acceptance into the PSTI program. The deadline will be posted on the website. Refer to the PSTI website frequently. If you fail to notify us of your acceptance or decline to our offer (via e-mail), you will forfeit your selection and another participant will be selected. No exceptions will be made.If I don’t get selected this time, will my application be reviewed again next year automatically or do I have to re-apply?
You must re-apply the following year.
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What if I can only participate for a portion of the institute due to other commitments?
Participation requires a full time commitment for the duration of the two week period. You must insure you will be available full time during the entire two weeks. Only those students that have participated full time in the institute and have completed all requirements will be awarded the $500 stipend.Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?
No. The NASA Dryden Flight Research Center PSTI is scheduled for August 1-13,2010. Please note that other NASA Centers across the country offer similar PSTI programs throughout the summer.Do I get any vacation during the appointment period?
The program does not include vacation or sick leave.How do I receive my stipend payment and where does it come from?
Your stipend will be mailed after all requirements have been met for the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center PSTI Program.What kind of travel reimbursement will I receive?
You will be reimbursed for inbound and outbound travel between your home or school and the hotel.Does the institute pay any tuition costs I might incur while participating?
No. Tuition and fees incurred during your participation in the institute while you are still enrolled in a college or university are not reimbursable.By participating in this institute, do I become an employee of the administrator, the host institution, or NASA?
No. You will be considered a program participant and will not enter into an employer/employee relationship with the administrator, the host institution, or NASA.Do I have to prepare a report or give a presentation during or at the end of the two week workshop?
Yes. PSTI Participants will give daily presentations, participate in daily discussions, complete daily homework, complete pre-homework prior to arrival at the PSTI workshop, and give a final presentation. All presentations, reports, and classroom work are requirements for the PSTI Program and are not optional. The work you perform and the knowledge you obtain throughout the Institute, will give you valuable insight into the NASA educational materials you may continue to use in your classroom.Do I need to pay for my hotel room?
No you do not need to pay for your hotel room. You will be sharing the room with up to two other people. The room is covered by NASA DFRC PSTI Institute. If accepted into the PSTI Institute, you will need to have a credit card to hold your room and cover any incidentals you may incur during the two weeks.Two weeks is a long time to be away from my family. May they come and stay with me during the two weeks?
No. This is a professional development training - there simply is no time to be with family and friends during the two weeks. Family and friends may not stay with you during the two weeks. You are sharing a room with up to two other people during the two weeks.The two weeks seems like a long time to participate. Besides complete attendance and creating presentations, what will be required of me during these two weeks?
You will be working with others so, we are looking for people that work well with others and enjoy group collaboration in designing projects. You will be creating a presentation, podcast, online website to showcase your work, and developing lesson plans for your website. You will need to be a person who is creative, energetic, organized, and flexible since our schedule frequently changes.
