Challenger Center Announces Recipient of June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award

Washington (May 10, 2018) – Challenger Center today announced that Nancy Rosenbaum, a fifth-grade science teacher at Florida State University Schools (FSUS) is the recipient of the 2018 June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator award. The award is named in honor of Challenger Center Founding Chair, June Scobee Rodgers, and it recognizes an outstanding educator who understands the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and demonstrates enthusiasm and passion in teaching STEM subjects.

“We received nominations for teachers from Challenger Learning Centers across the country and were once again reminded of exceptional work by teachers like Nancy Rosenbaum,” said Denise Kopecky, Director of Education at Challenger Center. “Nancy’s nomination stood out for several reasons; one being her incredible understanding of how critical STEM education is for today’s students and that what we teach children today will impact our society in the future.”

Rosenbaum was nominated by the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee and has taught fifth-grade since 2009. She coordinates a STEM fair at FSUS for all K-5 students and their families to learn more about the value of STEM education and careers. In 2013, Rosenbaum started and is currently the chair of an Elementary Science Committee where she has planned professional development for teachers, researched supplemental resources, and started the FSUS Elementary Family Science Night.

“The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee provides my students with exceptional opportunities to engage in STEM activities which inspire them to delve deeper into these subjects. Over the past 12 years of my teaching career, I have witnessed hundreds of children touched by the educational programs the Center provides,” said Nancy Rosenbaum. “I am extremely honored to receive this award to represent the Challenger Learning Center as the June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator and I look forward to continuing my partnership with the Center to shape the minds of the future.”

Rosenbaum received a $2,500 award during a presentation at Florida State University Schools where she was recognized by the Florida State University Schools elementary principal and representatives from Challenger Center and Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. Award nominations were made by Challenger Learning Centers around the world.

About Challenger Center As a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Challenger Center provides more than 250,000 students annually with experiential education programs that engage students in hands-on learning opportunities. These programs, delivered in Challenger Learning Centers and classrooms, strengthen knowledge in STEM subjects and inspire students to pursue careers in these important fields. Challenger Center was created by the Challenger families to honor the crew of shuttle flight STS-51-L. For more information about Challenger Center, please visit www.challenger.org or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

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