Tucker Named 2023 Aerospace Educator of the Year

Megan Tucker, the dean of curriculum, STEAM teacher, gifted teacher and instructional facilitator for technology at Hillsboro Charter Academy, was recently named the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year by the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Tucker, the 36th recipient of this honor, will be presented the award on September 21 at the President's Reception as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 59th Enshrinement events. More than 600 people are expected to attend two days of events in Washington, D.C., that feature the formal installment of the NAHF Enshrinee Class of 2023.

The educational honor Tucker is receiving is named for Scott Crossfield, a renowned test pilot, research pilot and aerospace researcher. His tests with pressurized suits led to the development of the space suit. The National Aviation Hall of Fame is based in Dayton, Ohio.

Tucker was nominated for the Crossfield Award by Susan Mallett, Aerospace/STEM Education Outreach Coordinator for Civil Air Patrol. “Megan is one of those unique treasures who never stops thinking of ways to help others understand, feel valued and seek to accomplish great things,” Mallet wrote in her nomination. “She is the epitome of a teacher who Scott Crossfield was speaking of when he looked for teachers 'who possessed those honorable attributes we expect from American teachers.'”  

Previously, Tucker was named the 2021 National Air Force Association/Rolls Royce STEM/Aerospace Teacher of the Year; the Civil Air Patrol National Teacher of the Year; and has been awarded the American Association for Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Education Achievement Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching.

Published August 22, 2023