Barbara Koscak Biography
By 1990, Barbara Koscak was a recognized leader in education, having been awarded the A. Scott Crossfield Teacher of the Year Award, invited to the White House by President Bush, a special invitation by President Reagan to the Air and Space Smithsonian Museum where she was honored as Outstanding Aerospace Educator, Federal Aviation Administration's National Educator of the Year Award and many others too numerous to mention.
Barbara wanted her students to become excited about science, math, and technology and to develop their potential for challenging careers. Knowing that children all love airplanes, she created curriculum in her classroom built around aerospace — with a curriculum that was "hands-on."
Taking her dream to the next level, she contacted BG David Arendts, who was the 127th Wing Commander at Selfridge ANG Base in Michigan. Together, they discussed the possibility of students learning the application of knowledge through the observation and hands-on experiences from the Air National Guard members. They agreed that military personnel would be great role models. BG Arendts embraced the idea and lent his full support for the creation of the Project Stars. Rico Racosky, an F-16 pilot and Rick Simms, a Wayne State student became the Selfridge Team.
In order to make the dream a reality, the team needed funding. They added a group of people from Mt. Clemens School District. After many weeks of grant writing the Team was narrowed down to just a hand few. Koscak used her prestigious A. Scott Crossfield Teacher of the Year Award money to fund a one-week pilot program. The Award was created by aeronautic legend Scott Crossfield (first to fly Mach 2). Crossfield believed that teachers had a greater influence because they worked with the future.
After three of them (Koscak included) wrote for almost one year, they received a grant from W. K. Kellogg. This would fund a full three years. The response and results of the program were exceptionally impressive — students gained in knowledge with a 35% average gain. In 1993, Barbara addressed the program to Congress. Senator Levin embraced the idea and Congress funded an additional five more programs...calling the program The DoD STARBASE Program.
After 16 and half years of success, the DoD STARBASE Program has grown to 54 programs, which operate in five regions of the country, in 32 states, on Indian Reservations, and US Territories. To date, the program has provided 20-25 hours of direct science, technology, engineering, and math experiences at military bases for over 400,000 4th — 6th grade students across the US and over 40,000 students and teachers in Michigan.
The DoD STARBASE Program continues to be a premier program. Today's students not only study aerospace curriculum but, using computer-assisted 3-D software provided by PTC, they design space stations, land rovers, submersibles and unmanned aerial vehicles. After learning about engineering and design, students learn about manufacturing.
DoD STARBASE is making tomorrow happen today!
Barbara Koscak has also co-created a youth program at Quantico, VA for the FBI.
EMPLOYMENT
1991-pres. Cofounder/creator and director of STARBASE
1993-pres. Consultant/Presenter Embry Riddle Aeronautical University,
1992-pres. Instructor with National Interagency Civil-Military Institute, CA
1988-1993 Adjunct professor, Oakland University, MI
1987-1991 Curriculum Consultant for Earth Shuttle Co. of Boston, MA
1975-1991 Elementary teacher with Utica Community Schools, MI
AWARDS, HONORS, and OTHER EXPERIENCES
Traveled extensively throughout Europe, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Nepal, Mexico, Italy, Latvia, Bosnia, Canada, and all 50 United States. Lived in Paris.
2001 The Governor's Service Award Finalist
1999 Trekked the foothills of Mt. Everest in the Himalayan Mountains
1998 Traveled aboard the USS Michigan (nuclear submarine)
1996 International Who's Who
1995 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award
1994 Accomplished Skydiver
1992 Flew in an Apache helicopter
1991 Flew in an F-16
1991 Solo Flight -- Cherokee 180
1991 FAA National Championship Award for Excellence in Education
1990 A. Scott Crossfield National Aerospace Educator of the Year
1990 Crown Circle Award
1990 FAA Regional Championship Award for Excellence in Education
1990 Outstanding Aerospace Educator (invited to the White House) by President
Bush
1989 United States Aerospace Education Ambassador to Japan
1988 Young Astronaut's National Outstanding Chapter Leader
1987 Outstanding Aerospace Educator by President Reagan
PUBLICATIONS
• Discoveries in Space (coauthor) Kennedy Space Center
• Ideas and Technology (coauthor) Walt Disney's Epcot Center
• Aero. Art (coauthor) Aerospace activities for the classroom teacher
• STARBASE Curriculum Module (coauthor)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
• American Himalayan Foundation
• Missionary - Navajo Indian Reservation
• Red Cross - Selfridge ANGB
• Ronald McDonald House
• Detroit Science Center
• St. Joseph's Hospital (Juvenile Ward)
• YESS (At-risk youth of Detroit)
• FBI / STARBASE Academy and Junior National Academy (cofounder)
• Selfridge ANG Base Community Council
• Red Ribbon
• Michigan Communities in Action for DRUG-FREE Youth
• Rainbow Connection (terminally ill children)
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
• Credits toward CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor)
• 60 Mile 3-Day Breast Cancer Walker
LOOK WHO'S TALKING
"If all the nation's teachers were only half as good as Barbara, the future of America would be bright
with productive young people coming forth to lead."
—A. Scott Crossfield,
Chief Test Pilot X-15
"I have never known a more effective, enthusiastic, and professional teacher, presenter, and organizer, as she works with people of all ages. Her move'em and motivate'em (m& m) technique is dynamic."
—Alan Shepard, Jr., Rear Admiral, USN (ret.)
First American in space
"Barbara has been an exceptionally dedicated educator who has had an immeasurable impact on the status of aviation and space education for young people."
—Chuck E. Yeager
Brigadier General, USAF (ret.)
Test Pilot Bell X-1