Albertville teacher gets lifetime opportunity

This article, written by Mary Bailey, appeared in the Feb. 11, 2025, edition of The Sand Mountain Reporter.

Morgan Brooks teaches Earth and Space and Physical Science at Albertville High School.

Late last week Brooks received an official letter inviting her to be a part of Flight:25 Teacher Liaison with the Space Foundation.

She is now part of an elite program that includes nearly 380 educators from across the world.

A wife and mother of two, Brooks loves reading, gardening, and teaching.

She knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was just five years old.

“I have never wavered from that goal. For me, teaching is more than a job, it’s my way of helping young people discover their potential. I have been teaching for eight years, with the last four years at Albertville High School, where I currently teach Physical Science and Earth & Space Science,” Brooks said.

“My teaching philosophy is centered on hands-on, real-world applications of science, ensuring that my students can see how what they learn connects to their everyday lives and future careers. Even though we are located near Huntsville, home to major space industry leaders, many of my students have never considered careers in space or STEM. Through this program, I hope to develop new hands-on projects and lessons that allow my students to explore real-world applications of space science. I also want to create opportunities for them to connect with space industry professionals, whether through guest speakers, virtual tours, or career exploration activities. By incorporating space-based projects and problem-solving activities, I aim to ignite their curiosity and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering.”

Brooks is beyond thrilled for this opportunity to collaborate with educators from over 21 countries and connect with experts in the space industry. She can’t wait to bring new insights and innovations back to her students.

“After attending Space Academy for Educators this past summer, a phenomenal experience unlike any other professional development I had ever participated in, I was eager to find more space-related professional development opportunities,” Brooks continued. “I am currently working toward my National Board Certification which has a professional learning community component, so I wanted something that was more than just sitting in a room; I wanted a collaborative community of educators passionate about space.”

During her search, she discovered the Space Foundation’s International Teacher Liaison Program, which was established in 2004 to support educators in integrating space and STEM into their classrooms.

“Each year, following a rigorous application process, a new “flight” of Teacher Liaisons are selected named in reference to our shared mission of advancing space education. A panel of experienced Teacher Liaisons, space industry professionals, and military representatives carefully selects each new cohort. I recently received my acceptance into Flight 25, and I am thrilled about the opportunities this will provide for my students’ learning,” Brooks said.

“The Teacher Liaison Program is designed to enhance teaching skills, foster a supportive community for educators, and influence space and science education at a global level. Through this program, I will gain tools, resources, and professional connections to inspire the next generation of innovators in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). What makes this program unique is its ability to unite a global network of pioneering educators committed to extending education beyond the stars and shaping the space explorers of tomorrow. Teacher Liaisons, like me, design hands-on learning activities, collaborate with fellow educators, and engage with leading experts from the space industry. We also serve as connections between the Space Foundation and our schools and communities, often working with organizations such as NASA to bring space-related education to students.”

As part of the 2025 Flight 25, Brooks will be recognized at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs April 7th - 10th of this year.

The event includes special programming, keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions that will further develop my ability to integrate space exploration and STEM education that Brooks can introduce to her classroom.