[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 18 (Thursday, February 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NASA/NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY PRE-SERVICE 
                               CONFERENCE

 Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the 
outstanding growth and service of the NASA Langley Pre-Service Teacher 
Program. This year's national conference, which is being held this week 
from February 17 through 19, 2005, will mark the 10 year anniversary of 
this highly successful educational program.
  The Pre-Service Teacher Program is a project run through the 
cooperation of NASA's Langley Office of Education and Norfolk State 
University's School of Science & Technology. Its mission is to provide 
Pre-Service teachers and faculty members opportunities to enhance their 
knowledge and skill in teaching mathematics and science using 
technology at the elementary and middle school levels.
  Since its humble beginnings as a small regional conference held in 
Hampton, VA, in 1995, the Pre-Service Teacher Program has grown into a 
large national conference annually held in Alexandria, VA. The program 
began with only 25 member institutions representing 10 States and now 
boasts membership of over 104 institutions representing 31 States. It 
is important to recognize that of the 104 member institutions, there 
are representatives from Hispanic Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges 
and Universities, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
  The Pre-Service Teacher Program's continued growth led to the 
addition of a Pre-Service Teacher Institute in 1998. This 2-week long 
immersion program allows more pre-service teachers the opportunity to 
interface with NASA personnel, tour Langley's facilities, and learn 
ways to incorporate NASA's cutting-edge research into lesson plans for 
elementary and middle school students. As the success of this program 
has grown, the Pre-Service Teacher Program expanded in 2000 to seven 
sites beyond Hampton, VA, and, with time, I am sure it will continue to 
grow.
  I congratulate the Pre-Service Teacher Program's tremendous growth 
and impact on Virginia classrooms and schools across the Nation. They 
are to be commended for their hard work and attention to our Nation's 
future: our children. I wish them continued success, keep fighting and 
keep succeeding.

                          ____________________