Space Foundation Announces International Teacher Liaisons for 2026
‘Flight 26’ Includes Six International Teachers From Six Nations Outside the U.S.
The nonprofit Space Foundation has announced 38 educators who have been selected to join the International Teacher Liaison Program, including six international applicants from Australia, Brazil, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria. These elite educators were chosen for their active promotion of space and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the classroom.
“Flight 26 represents some of the most dedicated and innovative STEM educators from around the world.”
Heidi Vasiloff, Space Foundation
Space Foundation International Teacher Liaisons are a community of more than 400 educators in 25 countries and 40 states who work to inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. Established in 2004, this internationally recognized program provides benefits that improve teaching skills, provide an encouraging community for educators, and influence space and science education at a global level.
“Flight 26 represents some of the most dedicated and innovative STEM educators from around the world,” said Heidi Vasiloff, Senior Director of Space Foundation Discovery Center. “By bringing the wonder and rigor of space-based learning into classrooms, they are shaping the next generation of explorers and advancing global space education. We are excited to welcome these amazing educators into this elite group and to support their efforts to inspire the young people who will lead us back to the Moon, onward to Mars and further into the cosmos.”
Each selected class of Teacher Liaisons is referred to as a “flight” in reference to the teachers’ mission as premier space/STEM educators. Every year, following a rigorous application process, a new flight of Teacher Liaisons is selected. This global program is open to public, private and homeschool teachers, in both informal and formal education, as well as school administrators, principals, specialists, curriculum and instruction developers, and others who deliver educational programs to students. A panel comprised of experienced Teacher Liaisons and representatives from the space industry and the military selected the newest flight.
Space Foundation supports Teacher Liaisons by providing them with curriculum resources and various professional development opportunities. Teacher Liaisons also get the opportunity to design hands-on learning activities in a collaborative setting and engage with top educators and space industry experts.
“Being part of the Teacher Liaison Program allows me to bring real-world aerospace experiences directly into the classroom, empowering students, especially those who may not yet see themselves in STEM, to imagine bold futures in New Mexico and beyond. This opportunity strengthens the bridge between education, innovation and global possibility for our school, our community and our state, as my colleagues and I work toward developing future programs that are still to come,” said Liza Ortiz, International Teacher Liaison from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The 2026 flight of Teacher Liaisons will be recognized at Space Foundation’s annual Space Symposium, to be held April 13–16 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In addition to the recognition activities, Teacher Liaisons will participate in special programming at Symposium that includes keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and breakout sessions.