Help Wanted – FAA Needs K-12 Educators
Calling all K-12 educators to join the force preparing the next generation aviation/aerospace workforce as the Federal Aviation Administration’s STEM AVSED launches 2026-27 programs.
“By introducing students to aviation, engineering, drones, airport design, and aerospace careers, you can help students discover possibilities they may never have considered,” said STEM AVSED’s Mary Butcher-Kimball, who provided the information for these articles. “Our mission is to support educators with engaging programs, hands-on learning experiences, and connections to aviation professionals that bring aerospace education and career exploration into classrooms and communities across the country.”
The agency developed four educator pathways into a near-turn-key effort to provide teachers what they need to get the job done. (See articles below for full information.)
GRADES 3-5: FAA Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program
A new pilot program – The Aerospace Workforce Educator Pilot Program – provides a small group of educators with ready-to-use aerospace lessons, FAA engagement opportunities, and resources to help introduce students to aerospace careers.
Ten educators will participate in the inaugural pilot program. Participating educators will receive:
• Six complete aerospace-themed lesson plans
• PowerPoint presentations, classroom materials and student activity worksheets
• Interactive review games
• Support from FAA staff throughout the school year
• Opportunities to connect classroom learning with aerospace workforce and career pathways
The agency will then use educator feedback to shape future educator engagement and aerospace workforce education efforts.
FMI: Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov for additional details and information about joining the 2026–2027 pilot.
GRADES 3-5: Adopt A School
FAA personnel are fanning out across the United States to help schools connect kids to aviation and aerospace professionals and their careers.
During the 2026–2027 school year, participating FAA personnel will partner with selected schools in their local communities to bring authentic aerospace learning and career exploration directly into the classroom through Adopt A School.
Complementing science, STEM, technology, and career-readiness instruction, activities may include classroom visits, conversations with FAA professionals, career exploration, and support for aerospace-focused learning. Activities are designed to help students learn about the wide variety of people and professions that keep the nation’s aviation system moving.
GRADES K-12: Airport Design Challenge
With more than 20 aviation/aerospace student challenges available to schools, the FAA is promoting its Airport Design Challenge designed to help students understand an often overlooked sector of aviation and aerospace – airports. Many communities have an airport – some even have spaceports – but there is little recognition of their value as either an education or economic asset. This challenge is designed to change that.
The Airport Design Challenge (ADC) invites K–12 students to explore aviation, engineering, and airport planning by designing their own airports using Minecraft™. Working individually or collaboratively, students learn about airports, airport operations, engineering, and emerging technologies while applying STEM concepts through creative, hands-
on activities.
ADC is available year-round, making it easy to incorporate into:
• STEM, engineering, technology, or geography classes
• After-school programs and clubs
• Career exploration activities
• Team projects
• Independent learning
Ages 13-18: ACE Academies – Summer aerospace experiences for students
During the summer of 2026, the FAA co-sponsored 104 Aviation and Career Education (ACE) Academies, many in cooperation with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, giving students an opportunity to explore aviation and aerospace careers through hands-on activities, mentorship, and real-world experiences.
Co-sponsoring enables FAA to provide resources and guidance to organizations interested in bringing an ACE Academy to their community. The agency’s goal for 2027 is to add 10 new ACE Academies throughout the nation and it is offering significant guidance on how to launch one in your community.
Working with aviation and community partners, ACE Academies connect students with professionals such as pilots, engineers, aircraft technicians, and air traffic controllers. Depending on the academy, experiences may include visits to aviation facilities, hands-on demonstrations, career exploration activities, and orientation flights.
FMI: Email 9-apl-faaeducation@faa.gov to learn more about getting started.
Photos courtesy of FAA.
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