The nation's top teachers -- chosen by their peers -- will journey on a week-long space "mission" this summer, courtesy of NASA. National Teacher of the Year Chauncey Veatch of Palm Desert, Calif., and the other honorees will be recognized for their dedication to their profession during the 13th annual International Space Camp event at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.

From July 27 to Aug. 2, the teachers will enjoy a multi- faceted experience consisting of mission training, mission simulation and dozens of other events at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, also in Huntsville. Each teacher will get a chance to learn what it's like to live and work in space.

The schedule includes lectures from astronauts and scientists about space exploration, the International Space Station, the space shuttle and current NASA research. Highlights of the week include: "Countdown to a Dream," a presentation by astronaut Mike Mullane, a workshop on teaching "space" in the classroom, a discussion on how an astronaut prepares for a space mission, a water-survival aviation challenge, a look at rocket construction and an overview of the history of flight.

"The teachers have the opportunity to become the astronauts, the scientists and the engineer Ö if only for a short period of time. They are able to experience first-hand the impact that space exploration has on our everyday lives and our nation's future," said Frank Owens, Director, NASA Education, at Headquarters in Washington.

Teachers of the Year are selected by each state's education department based on nominations from other teachers in their local school districts. The program, which began in 1952, is considered the top honor in recognizing and rewarding teaching excellence.

"Educators have one of the world's most important jobs," said Art Stephenson, Marshall Center Director. "Marshall salutes their hard work and dedication to children. NASA's new mission statement dedicates the agency to 'inspire the next generation of explorers,' and we believe that partnering with teachers is vital to this element," Stephenson said.

A complete list of the 2002 Teachers of the Year can be found at: http://www.ccsso.org/ntoy/2002/ntoyst2002.html.