If you are a teacher of a STEM discipline . . .

This information… Is for you!

This year’s State Aviation Conference will include an exciting educational session. Kaye Ebelt a 29-year veteran in the classroom, from Montana, will be discussing aerospace and aviation education. She is the creator of a STEM focused youth space camp, the author of an activity book on 3D printing in the classroom for K-12 educators to assist with engineering education outreach, and she is the current 2013-15 Albert Einstein Fellow at the National Science Foundation in Washington DC.

This year’s NJ Aviation Conference offers an ideal opportunity for insight into community STEM resources. Continuing education credits maybe an option if you attend both Friday and Saturday activities. If you are considering mentoring young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics you will have the opportunity to network at this event.

The educational session is titled “What is and What Could Be in Aviation Education”, moderated by Linda Castner, a credentialed Master Aviation Educator, creator of many STEM/aviation programs, private pilot, and co-owner of Alexandria Field Airport in Pittstown, NJ. The motivational discussion will include how to inspire today’s youth in STEM disciplines through the lens of aviation. Other panel members include Tanya Brooks: Science/Math Teacher, Kingwood TWP School, currently participating in the Alexandria Field airport “Living Lab” STEM/Aviation program; Pete Spariano: FAA manager of the General Aviation Center for Excellence program and coordinator of a study being conducted at the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center in Atlantic City to determine NJ STEM/Aviation outreach efforts.

The conference is presented by the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Coalition (MAAC) in cooperation with the NJ Department of Transportation. According to MAAC President, Frank Steinberg, “The two-day conference encourages greater participation by offering attendees a symposium on the first day, followed by a value-added, airport-based event on the second day.”

The symposium component will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015, beginning at 8 AM, at Princeton University's First Campus Center. Themed “Back to the Future”, the symposium will feature professor and former NASA , Terry Hart, who will provide the keynote address. There will also be a question and answer session with NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner, Jamie Fox and four topic sessions with experts discussing Education, Policy, Technology, and Safety issues.

The airport event will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Morristown Municipal Airport (MMU), Morristown, NJ. The day will begin at 9:00 and feature several speakers: David W. Jones, P.E., C.M., Delta Airport Consultants, speaking on “GA Airplanes – Tools or Toys?” and Mr. Arnie Itzkowitz who does aerial filming for clients including the Discovery Channel. A variety of airport tours and an Exhibit Hall are part of the day’s activities, ending at 3:00. The schedule will weave together areas of interest for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, educators, and future aviators of all ages.

Attendees can register for one or both days of the conference as follows: $50 for either day or $85 for both days. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and a reception on day one; lunch on day two; and a chance to win various door prizes including United Airlines tickets. Discounted students tickets are $35 each day.

Conference details, registration forms and information are available on the MAAC website: www.njaviation.com and MMU website, www.mmuair.com will also have details. Space will be limited on both days – early registration is encouraged. Contact Linda Castner at [email protected] or 908.735.0870 for questions regarding educational components.