# Barbara Morgan > astronaut **Wikidata**: [Q235047](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235047) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Morgan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barbara-morgan ## Summary Barbara Morgan is an American astronaut and former teacher who became the first teacher in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2007. A member of NASA's Astronaut Group 17, she was selected as a backup to Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, and later served as a mission specialist on STS-118. Her career bridges education and space exploration, making her a symbol of inspiring STEM outreach. ## Biography - Born: November 28, 1951 - Nationality: United States - Education: - Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Boise State University (1973) - Master of Science in Education, Stanford University (1984) - Master of Science in Counselor Education, Notre Dame de Namur University (1985) - Known for: First teacher in space (STS-118, 2007) and advocate for STEM education - Employer(s): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Field(s): Space exploration, education, astronautics ## Contributions - **STS-118 Mission**: Served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, conducting experiments and demonstrating the integration of education and spaceflight. The mission launched on August 8, 2007, and lasted 12 days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes. - **Education Outreach**: Inspired millions through her experiences as a teacher and astronaut, promoting STEM education and inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers. - **Awards**: Recipient of the Women in Space Science Award for her contributions to space science and education. ## FAQs **What was Barbara Morgan's most notable achievement?** Barbara Morgan became the first teacher in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the STS-118 mission in 2007. Her mission demonstrated the integration of education and space exploration. **Where did Barbara Morgan work before becoming an astronaut?** Before joining NASA, Barbara Morgan taught elementary school and later worked as a counselor educator. She earned degrees from Boise State University, Stanford University, and Notre Dame de Namur University. **What educational background does Barbara Morgan have?** Barbara Morgan holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Boise State University, a Master of Science in Education from Stanford University, and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Notre Dame de Namur University. **How did Barbara Morgan contribute to STEM education?** As an astronaut and former teacher, Barbara Morgan used her experiences to inspire students and educators, emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in space exploration. **What awards has Barbara Morgan received?** Barbara Morgan was honored with the Women in Space Science Award for her work in space science and education, recognizing her significant contributions to both fields. ## Why They Matter Barbara Morgan's career as a teacher and astronaut bridges education and space exploration, making her a pivotal figure in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Her mission on STS-118 demonstrated the feasibility of integrating education with spaceflight, paving the way for future educational outreach programs. Morgan's work has influenced STEM education policies and inspired countless students to pursue careers in science and technology. Her legacy continues to motivate educators and astronauts to combine their passions for learning and exploration. ## Notable For - First teacher in space (STS-118, 2007) - Recipient of the Women in Space Science Award - Member of NASA Astronaut Group 17 - Advocate for STEM education and outreach - Former elementary school teacher and counselor educator ## Body ### Early Life and Education Barbara Radding Morgan was born on November 28, 1951. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Boise State University in 1973. Later, she pursued advanced degrees, obtaining a Master of Science in Education from Stanford University in 1984 and a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Notre Dame de Namur University in 1985. ### Teaching Career Before her astronaut career, Morgan taught elementary school and later worked as a counselor educator. Her teaching experience provided a unique perspective on the importance of education in inspiring future generations. ### Astronaut Training and Selection Morgan was selected as a member of NASA Astronaut Group 17 in 1998. She trained as a backup to Christa McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, who perished in the Challenger disaster. Morgan's extensive training prepared her for her historic mission. ### STS-118 Mission On August 8, 2007, Morgan launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist on STS-118. The mission lasted 12 days, 18 hours, and 14 minutes, during which she conducted experiments and demonstrated the integration of education and spaceflight. Her work on this mission made her the first teacher in space. ### Education Outreach After her mission, Morgan continued to advocate for STEM education. She used her experiences to inspire students and educators, emphasizing the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in space exploration. ### Awards and Recognition Morgan was honored with the Women in Space Science Award for her contributions to space science and education. This award recognized her significant impact on both fields. ### Legacy Barbara Morgan's career as a teacher and astronaut has left a lasting legacy. She has inspired millions of students and educators, demonstrating the power of combining education and space exploration. Her work continues to influence STEM education policies and motivate future generations of scientists and engineers. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/english/e_first.htm) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013