Now in its eighth year, the Teacher-at-Sea Program enables teachers to enrich their classroom curricula with a depth of understanding made possible by living and working side-by-side, day and night, with those who contribute to the world's body of oceanographic knowledge. "The best way to understand environmental science is to work with those who practice it every day," notes Rear Admiral William L. Stubblefield, director of the Office of NOAA Corps Operations, which coordinates the Teacher-at-Sea program. "Teachers who have actually gained hands-on experience aboard our NOAA ships will go back into their classrooms in the fall much better equipped to get their students excited about learning through personal anecdotes, pictures, a better curriculum, and a broader perspective."

To participate in the program, teachers must be willing to submit a detailed report of the cruise and ideas for implementation in the classroom and an article for publication or conduct a presentation at an educators' conference. Although the program itself is free of charge, teachers are responsible for paying their own transportation to the ship's departure points though a school board or administration may pick up the costs.

Teachers can request applications for the 1999 Teacher-at-Sea Program by calling: (757) 441-6800; e-mailing: Wanda.Campbell@noaa.gov; or writing: NOAA Atlantic Marine Center, 439 York St., Norfolk, VA 23510. Applications are due between January 1 and March 8, 1999 and are rated by a review panel on how they intend to incorporate their experiences into their classroom curricula. Successful applicants can choose from several research missions ranging from one to three weeks on the East, West or Gulf coasts, and only have to pay for their transportation to and from the ship. The program costs taxpayers nothing, but ultimately many people, including students, gain a greater awareness of the need to understand and protect the ocean and its resources.
 

For more information: NOAA Corps, Office of NOAA Corps Operations, and fleet: http://www.nc.noaa.gov

NOAA VENTS Program: http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/vents/objectives.html

The Ron Brown: http://www.pmc.noaa.gov/rb/index.htm
 
 

University of Mississippi