When students return to school this fall, one familiar face at Plainwell Middle School will be noticeably absent. Instead of teaching in her classroom, science teacher Lisa Wininger will be beginning her 11-month adventure at the National Aeronautic and Space Administrations Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate.
Wininger was one of the twelve educators chosen after a lengthy application process to be Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellows. The Plainwell teacher outshined elite educators from a nationwide pool of candidates. She and her fellow Fellows will serve by sharing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) knowledge and experience to further national education programs and policies with the Department of Energy, National Science foundation and NASA.
Wininger said, “I am so excited about being a Fellow at NASA Headquarters, learning about the aeronautics research in which they are engaged, and traveling and doing outreach with adults and children.”
Plainwell Middle School Principal, Tasia Stamos said Wininger has collaborated with the West Michigan Flight Academy for the past four years and also flew on NASA’s SOFIA Observatory allowing her to enrich students’ knowledge of space.
Plainwell Community Schools Superintendent, Matt Montange said Wininger is a highly motivated educator.
“Her creative methods combined with a hands-on approach to the curriculum make science in her class something that kids look forward to on a daily basis,” Montange said.
Stamos said Wininger is the perfect fit for this program with her strong STEM background and enthusiasm towards teaching.
“I am looking forward to her sharing this upcoming year’s experiences with her students and colleagues.”
Wininger said the Fellowship will give her wide access to many resources from NASA and other federal agencies. When she returns to teach for the 2018-19 school year, she will have an expanded teaching repertoire.
“I will be able to provide new and innovative resources to my students and colleagues,” she said.
During her Fellowship, Wininger will also be working on a personal development plan to teach more about mapping and place-based problem solving. She is considering writing a book on the topic as well.
In the meantime, Wininger will check back with her students and colleagues while she is away.
She also hopes to see a good number of Plainwell students attending the US. Science and Engineering Festival in Washington D.C. next April.
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