Christa McAuliffe was an innovative social studies teacher who reached for the stars in an effort to make her dream of space travel a reality. She was the first classroom teacher to participate in space flight and planned to use the experience in teaching lessons from space. In 1986 the Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award was established to help classroom teachers "reach for the stars" and achieve a dream that under ordinary circumstances would not be fulfilled. The Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education (FASSE) was created in 1984 by the Board of Directors of the National Council for the Social Studies. The purpose of the fund is to support research and classroom application projects which improve social studies education, foster enlightened citizenship, and promote civic competence.

Eligibility

• NCSS membership is required.
• Awards are available to full-time social studies teacher or social studies teacher educators currently engaged with K-12 students.
• Consideration for "Reach for the Stars" award is given to projects that represent excellence and innovation in social studies education and have the potential of serving as a model for other teachers. Preference is given to those proposals that demonstrate the highest likelihood for enduring impact.

Criteria

• Project activities and teaching strategies should represent inquiry based teaching and learning.
• Projects should be designed to encourage students to develop understanding of concepts from the social science disciplines in order to communicate their ideas in a variety of formats spoken, written, graphic, statistical, and/or electronic.
• Projects should enable students to become involved in exploring a range of options such as information technology, primary source material, community resources and local organizations, oral histories and interpretative centers as well as traditional resources, to develop their skills.
• Project proposals should demonstrate activities and teaching strategies that align to best pedagogical practices, inquiry-based teaching and learning, and integrate College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework concepts.

Application Requirements

• Project proposal and narrative description that includes the following information (maximum of 8 pages):
  • Clear, concise statement of the project objectives.
  • Brief summary of project activities and timeline for completion.
  • Identify the population served, including relevant demographic information.
  • Include a budget that shows how you will use the $2,500 award and if you are seeking additional funding from other sources.
  • Briefly explain how the award can facilitate your project.
  • Briefly explain how you will evaluate the success of your project.
  • Describe a specific plan for sharing your project with local or state councils and with NCSS, e.g. in affiliated council newsletters and/or websites and/or an article for Social Education or Social Studies and the Young Learner.
  • Briefly explain how your project can serve as a model for other teachers. Professional resume (include current teaching assignment)
• Professional resume for each individual involved
• Two letters of support
  • A brief statement of support from your supervisor acknowledging your teaching status and support for the project you are proposing
  • One letter may be from your state or local social studies council.
• Biographic sketch
  • Please prepare to submit a 200 word biographical sketch in a narrative format that includes both personal and professional information about key members of your team. Please include what motivated you and your team to develop this project and what you hope to accomplish as it relates to needs in social studies education. In addition, list any professional leadership activities and memberships and what you feel support or strengthen your work as an educator. If you are selected as the award winner, this statement will be published in publicity materials.

Award

The Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award includes:

• A cash award up to $2500;
• A commemorative award; and
• A presentation session at the NCSS Annual Conference.