Teachers' Testimonies about NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program

The best promotion for NOAA's Teacher at Sea program comes from the teachers themselves. Here are some of the fantastic things they’ve had to say about it:

"I loved my adventure at sea and felt as though I could have stayed another few weeks. I learned so much. I am in my 11th year of teaching and now I have some new material to add to my curriculum. My students were excited about my adventure and many of them have visited the NOAA site since we have returned to school and I have shared my experience with them. We are having shark month at our school. I have already been suggesting that other teachers apply. One of my concerns about going was leaving my husband. We are very close and rarely apart for more than a few days. Two weeks was a big deal. The Teacher at Sea program was so amazing that it more than made up for our time apart. So my suggestion to other teachers is to apply regardless of spouse, pets or children – make it happen! It was really life changing and enhancing."

~2007 TAS, Elizabeth Eubanks, teacher from Florida, aboard NOAA Ship DAVID STARR JORDAN

“I absolutely loved the hands-on experience. I learned so much through working with the watch chiefs and scientists. By the end of the cruise I felt as if I could be a scientist too. Plus, the view, marine life, sunsets and sunrises were spectacular.”

~2007 TAS, Adrienne Heim, teacher from New York,
aboard NOAA Ship ALBATROSS IV

“Teacher at Sea is clearly a powerful program that offers teachers a rare glimpse of real science as it happens. Nothing inspires an educator or a learner more than hands-on experience!

~2007 TAS, Rebecca Himschoot, teacher from Alaska, aboard NOAA Ship OSCAR DYSON

“This was an amazing experience. Working on a research vessel on 12-hour shifts is very different from anything I’ve experienced. It causes one to appreciate those who choose this as a career. Monitoring our marine resources is so important to our country. It does require sacrifice on the part of the scientists and crew (living in a small space, confinement to the ship, seasickness, being away from family, and the 12-hour shift work).”

~2007 TAS, Amy Pearson, teacher from Massachusetts, aboard NOAA Ship DELAWARE II

“The program was a wonderful chance to improve myself as a science teacher, while having an opportunity to participate in actual marine biological research. I got real insight into hands-on marine biology and life at sea. I found the work fascinating, the camaraderie excellent, and the experience of living and working on the sea unforgettable.”

~2006 TAS, Mark Silverman, teacher from Florida,
aboard NASA Ship LIBERTY STAR

“Through this outstanding program, my students had an opportunity to share an experience that they could not have any other way. I had the opportunity to participate in an exciting journey, learn about science and biology and experiment on my own with a way to use technology that was new to me and to my school district. I hope this will be the first of many ‘shared experience’ projects for me and for my students.”

~2006 TAS, Jacob Tanenbaum, teacher from New York, aboard NOAA Ship MILLER FREEMAN

“I had an incredible time onboard RAINIER. I learned an amazing amount on a variety of different subjects. I was taken out of my comfort zone on a number of different occasions which really allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I have really enjoyed brining this experience back to my staff and students, as well as the community.”

~2006 TAS, Jessica Schwarz, teacher from Hawaii,
aboard NOAA Ship RAINIER

“In a word the program was UNBELIEVABLE. To elaborate – this was the experience of a lifetime. How often is a teacher given the opportunity to be aboard a ship for an extended period of time conducting research?”

~2006 TAS, Linda Depro, teacher from Pennsylvania, aboard NOAA Ship ALBATROSS IV

“This program was an amazing experience that I will never forget. It is one that fulfilled all of my expectations for learning about NOAA and the work they do, as well as giving me the opportunity to take these experiences back to my students in the classroom. I was also overwhelmed with the beauty of the environment and wildlife that I was able to observe. The people on board the FAIRWEATHER were extremely friendly and open to sharing their knowledge with me. I have a feeling that my life will forever be impacted by NOAA in more ways than I could have imagined.”

~2006 TAS, Lisa Kercher, teacher from Pennsylvania, aboard NOAA Ship FAIRWEATHER

"It was all an amazing experience and I thank NOAA for this incredible opportunity. I have gained so much knowledge and am excited and ready to share it with my students. I can’t wait for the school year to begin—and that is saying a lot!"

~2005 TAS, Debbie Stringham, teacher from California, aboard NOAA Ship FAIRWEATHER

“There was so much I enjoyed that I don’t know where to begin. I was amazed at how much I was actually allowed to do. I was able to help create lines, work the computers on the launches, clean lines, and help deploy the launches. It was very hands on, and I was pleasantly surprised that I was allowed to do everything and not just observe. I also liked the fact that the crew was so friendly and willing to teach me and answer questions; I learned so much valuable information from them that I will be able to take back to my students."

~2005 TAS, Christy Garvin, teacher from Georgia,
aboard NOAA Ship RAINIER

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"This program is so valuable that I very much hope some of my son’s teachers have the opportunity to take part. Please know that this is the highest praise that I can offer."

~2005 TAS, Jim Jenkins, teacher from Virginia,
aboard NOAA Ship MILLER FREEMAN

"The whole program is fantastic! During my time on the RAINIER, I could not ask for a better learning opportunity! The TAS program presents an incredible opportunity for educators to continue their learning, and at the same time, investigate additional ways to get students engaged in science!"

~2005 TAS, Mike Laird, teacher from Arizona,
aboard NOAA Ship RAINIER

"It can be a life-changing experience. Besides learning so much about science, you’re exposed to different career choices, lifestyles, and cultures. Also, living and working at sea stretches you as a person and fosters personal growth. All of these experiences will inspire you as a teacher and in turn you will transfer that inspiration to your students."

~2005 TAS, Kimberly Pratt, teacher from California,
aboard NOAA Ship McARTHUR II

"It was truly a hands-on experience. My students will benefit from my increased content knowledge, and the new lesson plans I’m creating thanks to my time aboard the RAINIER. I felt like a part of the team, working toward a common goal, rather than a visitor."

~2005 TAS, Stephanie Wally, teacher from California, aboard NOAA Ship RAINIER

"This is one of the few opportunities to experience the open sea and to be part of the cutting-edge research that NOAA scientists conduct. This has been a life-changing experience for me, and one that I will never forget."

~2005 TAS, Thomas Nassif, teacher from Washington, D.C., aboard NOAA Ship NANCY FOSTER

“The 16 days I spent on the Miller Freeman working with the science team, officers and crew was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This experience has changed me as a teacher and as a person. I want to thank NOAA's Teacher At Sea Program, and the administration and school board at Southwestern Wisconsin Community Schools for their support in providing me with one of the most exciting and influential experiences of my professional career.”

~2003 TAS, Karl Beighley, teacher from Wisconsin,
aboard NOAA Ship MILLER FREEMAN

“This experience has been one I will certainly never forget. All the scientists on board have made quite an impression on me. Such a vast array of educational backgrounds and experiences combined with all the different nationalities on board offered me a wealth of memories to take back to the classroom. The crew on the ship was also exceptional. They were always willing to answer all my questions and help in any way they could.
“The experience of this trip will have a great influence on how I teach certain science concepts in the future. There is nothing like a "real" experience to help you understand the relevance of projects such as this. Research takes time, lots of time, dedication and commitment. I hope to pass on to my students the wonder and joy of pursuing your interests and your dreams. You never know where they will take you!"

~2001 TAS, Susan Carty, teacher from Pennsylvania, aboard NOAA Ship RONALD H. BROWN

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