Ten Years Later...the Legacy of Christa McAuliffe Lives On
Jan. 28, 1986, is the day a teacher - a National Education Association-New Hampshire member and activist, a wife and mother - took off with six fellow crew members and many of our hopes and dreams for what was to be an adventure in space.
Tragically, in living rooms and conference rooms, in the stands at Cape Canaveral and in classrooms across America, those hopes and dreams shattered as we watched the Challenger explode into a million pieces. Every American was touched by the tragedy. While we weren't on the shuttle, we were all there in spirit with Christa McAuliffe - one of "America's finest," as then-President Reagan called her.
Many educators had applied to be the Teacher in Space. If we couldn't be chosen ourselves, we could rejoice in NASA's selection of Christa. Watching her on TV as she described her plans to teach lessons from space, we came to feel we knew her personally-as a cherished colleague who understood the joy of sharing knowledge with a child, as a teacher with an infectious love of life. We were dazzled by Christa's bubbling enthusiasm and energy. We marveled at her fearlessness, and all resolved to try to be a bit more courageous ourselves - both in our work and in our personal lives.
Christa's spirit, her enthusiasm, her boundless energy and optimism set an example for education employees and all Americans. Remembering Christa can strengthen our resolve never to miss the opportunity to grow and develop because we're afraid of taking a chance.
It is important that we take time to honor Christa McAuliffe's Legacy. Teaches and parents alike can commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Challenger Tragedy by reminding our children and youth of Christa's lessons in courage, and her love of teaching and learning.
Ask students old enough to remember, "where were you when you heard the news?" Have them share their memories of January 28, 1986.
Ring the school bell and then have a moment of silence (or take time at home on Sunday, the 28th, for a moment of silence) at 10:39 a.m. (CST) - the exact time of the shuttle explosion - in honor of Christa and the six other astronauts.
Devote some class time or time at home to discussing heroes and role models. What makes them special? Why was Christa a hero? Who are today's heroes? Encourage children to talk about their dreams and goals, and remind them that Christa never lost sight of hers.
Schools could also hold a "teach-in" on January 26 or January 29, devoting the whole school day to such topics as the pioneering spirit, space exploration, risk-taking, profiles in courage, and the role of women today. (In fact, sample teaching plans are available from the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence at Framingham State College, 100 State St., Framingham, MA 01701. Phone: (508) 626-4056; or e-mail: christa@frc.mass.edu.)
Christa is perhaps best known for her powerful message, "I touch the future. . . I teach!" Through her legacy, Christa McAuliffe is still touching the future of children everywhere.
