Shared Learning, Shared Purpose: Challenger Center Educators Grow Together at Annual Conference

As educators, we understand the importance of collaborating and learning among peers. Sharing what works well, what’s challenging, and how learners respond helps boost our creativity and gives us fresh perspectives. That’s why every year, educators, leadership, and staff from Challenger Learning Centers across the country come together for our Conference to exchange ideas, solve challenges, and prepare for the 2025-2026 school year. 

I always look forward to this gathering, not just to catch up with colleagues I haven’t seen in a year (which I love), but for the opportunity to learn directly from these exceptional teachers who bring our programs to life.

Last month, our team at Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana graciously hosted us for this annual three-day event. From learning how to leverage AI in the classroom to teacher training tips, fundraising strategies, and hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, we all left energized and ready to strengthen our impact on the next generation of explorers.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look 

One of the things that makes the Challenger Center network so special is that no two Centers are exactly alike. While we’re united by the same mission, each Center adapts and innovates in ways that fit their community. 

As our hosts, our Hammond, Indiana team was able to give us an inside look at their Center operations. A lot of us were intrigued by their early learning program, Moon Base Explorers, where K-2 students and chaperones do science experiments on the Apollo Moon Base. They even designed a special room for this, complete with fun murals and shorter tables suitable for young learners.  

But they didn’t just show us around — we got to see them in action, too! My favorite Conference moment was watching the Hammond team fly one of our Missions, Operation Comet. Commander Kate McMahon showed off her acting chops by appearing so convincingly frazzled when an “emergency” happened mid-Mission, some of us thought something was really wrong! Commander Eli Weathersby, on the other hand, shared their way of adding a touch of humor to the experience. “When I load students into the Airlock, I tell them not to panic when the floor drops from under them as I close the door,” they said. “Usually that’s greeted with some screaming or some laughs, which I always appreciate.”

We also saw innovation from across the network through Share Fair presentations. Educators spoke about integrating AI into programming, adapting lessons for students with special needs, bilingual education, and so much more. Each presentation gave us insight into what makes each Center unique, and offered valuable takeaways everyone could use.

Why Shared Learning Matters

While teaching is deeply rewarding, it can also be isolating. Collaboration changes that. Educational research consistently shows that teachers and students benefit when educators learn from one another. When educators work together, they can:

• Share ideas and strategies that improve instruction.
• Support each other in meeting student needs.
• Reduce burnout by sharing the workload and responsibility.
• Foster stronger, more connected learning communities.

I see this in action every time we gather as a Challenger Center network. Hearing how another Center adapts a program for different learners or integrates new technology gives me fresh ideas for how we can enhance our educational offerings across the network.

Inspiration Beyond the Sessions

Some of the most powerful moments came from our keynote speakers.  Among them was Dr. Kenneth Harris II, Senior Project Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation and new Challenger Center Board Member. In addition to being a former NASA Rocket Scientist, an education leader, and a globally recognized keynote speaker, Dr. Harris is also an alumnus of Challenger Learning Center at the Howard B. Owens Center. 

During his fireside chat with our President & Executive Director, Mike Kincaid, Dr. Harris shared how his experience at our Center as a child inspired him to pursue a career in STEM. That passion also fueled his work advocating for STEM initiatives on the Board of Education in his hometown of Prince George’s County, Maryland. 

We ended our Conference with a beloved tradition: celebrating the birthday of our Founding Chair, June Scobee Rodgers. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful, as we were joined by Charles Resnik, brother of Judy Resnik and Vice Chair of the Board, and Cheryl McNair, widow of Ronald McNair and Founding Family Director.  After some cake, Commander Greg Karas from the Hammond team read a poem he wrote in June’s honor, a touching gesture that brought the night to a beautiful close.

Looking Ahead

Every year, I leave Conference with so many new ideas to strengthen our programs. It’s an invaluable experience to listen to the perspectives of Center educators. They have a wealth of knowledge and creativity, and are generous in sharing their insights. I cherish their relationships as well, as collaboration is as much about community and trust as it is contributing tips and lessons learned.

I can’t wait to see how the ideas shared in Hammond ripple across our network this school year, and I look forward to continuing the conversation as we look ahead.