LibGuides: Challenger STS-51L: Teacher in Space

Teacher in Space

The Teacher in Space Program was created from President Ronald Reagan's desire for a teacher to be the first citizen passenger in space. Christa McAuliffe and Barbara Morgan were chosen out of thousands of applicants. Christa McAuliffe was to be the first Teacher in Space, and Barbara Morgan training beside her as an alternate. The Teacher in Space program was shut down after the Challenger disaster, and Barbara Morgan returned to teaching. In 1998 Barbara Morgan returned to NASA as an astronaut.

Teacher in Space -- Vice President George Bush announces Christa McAullif as the winner of the Teacher in Space project
From American Experience (PBS). This is the text of Vice President George Bush's speech announcing Christa McAullif as the winner of the Teacher in Space project.

Average reading level (in grades): 9.1
A Teacher Trains for Outer Space
From the New York Times. This article from January 8, 1986 discusses Christa McAuliffe and Barbara Morgan and their training with NASA.

Average reading level (in grades): 9.1
Barbara Morgan -- PBS Newshour
From PBS News Hour. A seven minute video profile of Barbara Morgan, her experience training beside Christa McAullif, and her eventual travel into space.

Teacher in Space Promotional Materials - From the FSU Digital Commons Repository

Teacher in Space Program Brochure by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Education
Publication Date: 1985
A brochure for NASA's Teacher in Space Program by the Commonweath of Pennsylvania Department of Education describing the role of select Pennsylvania teachers as "Space Ambassadors"
The Teacher in Space Project: A Teacher's Guide by NASA, National Science Teachers Association, National Council on the Social Studies
Publication Date: 1985
Includes a description of the live lessons, teaching related events in the STS-51L mission, teaching activities and more.

Descriptions of the Teacher in Space Program can also be found in the press kits linked on the Challenger and STS-51L Mission page

Letters Home - From the FSU Digital Commons Repository

Christa McAuliffe to Parents 9/12/85 by Christa McAullife
Publication Date: 10 - 2 - 2015
Christa McAuliffe to Parents 9/9/85 by Christa McAuliffe
Publication Date: 10 - 2 - 2015
Post Card 7/10/85 by Christa McAuliffe
Publication Date: 10 - 23 - 2015
A postcard from Christa McAuliffe to her parents.

Application to the Program - Sources from the FSU Digital Commons Repository

Recommendation 1
Publication Date: 10 - 2 - 2015
A letter of recommendation from one of Christa McAuliffe's colleagues for her application to the Teacher in Space program.
Recommendation 2
Publication Date: 10 - 2 - 2015
A letter of recommendation from one of Christa McAuliffe's colleagues for her application to the Teacher in Space program.
Recommendation 3
Publication Date: 10 - 2 - 2015
A letter of recommendation from one of Christa McAuliffe's colleagues for her application to the Teacher in Space program.
Teacher in Space Application
Publication Date: 1985
Christa McAuliffe's application to the teacher in space program.