Bringing space to the classroom

Kosmas bill aimed at helping space workers find jobs

BY MICHELLE SPITZER

U.S. Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Bill Posey want to take advantage of all the bright people working at the space center by putting them in classrooms across the country.

Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, introduced the Space to Schools Act, which would provide a $5,000 stipend for eligible displaced aerospace workers to obtain a teaching certificate. Posey, R-Rockledge, signed on as one of 13 co-sponsors.

The bill's sponsors think former space workers could energize students about STEM education, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, by giving them real-world examples.

"STEM education is essential to our nation's prosperity and economic competitiveness," Kosmas said in a news release. "This bill provides an opportunity to utilize the skills and expertise of our world class STEM professionals while preparing our children to succeed in the 21st Century economy."

At the same time, Kosmas said the bill gives space workers another career option. With the shuttle program nearing an end, about 8,000 Kennedy Space Center workers may be without work.

"A better way to help our space workers would be to extend the shuttle and continue with Constellation, but this bill may offer assistance to some folks here in Brevard," Posey said in a statement.

In addition to the stipend, participants would be eligible for another $5,000 if they commit to teaching three years at a high needs school.

The bill is modeled after the Troops to Teachers program, which helps members of the armed services gain teaching certificates. Florida is one of the top participating states in the Troops to Teachers program. Nearly 1,000 troops have taken part in Florida since the program's creation in 1993.

School board member Robert Jordan, who works at Kennedy Space Center, applauded Kosmas for her actions and gave her credit for thinking outside the box.

"This is good news for those of us who are looking for a new opportunity and a way of giving back after many years dedicating our lives to the shuttle program," Jordan said.

However, he questioned where these potential teachers will be able to find jobs given looming budget cuts.

"Where would they work since in the next year's budget we will have to cut many teacher positions because the stimulus dollars will be gone," he said. "Experienced teachers will lose their jobs which means there won't be many opportunities in Brevard County or even the surrounding areas for these new teachers."

A spokesman for Kosmas said the representative is also working to help with a lack of funding for educators.

Contact Spitzer at 242-3722 or mspitzer@floridatoday.com.