Jo Anne Birch teaches 6th grade science and social studies at Pearland ISD in Texas. She is one of the original members of the JSC-ARES education team. She has been recognized many times for her innovated teaching and community involvement in environmental education and activism.

Becky Benner is the Alternative Teacher Certification Program Facilitator for secondary intern teachers for Pasadena ISD. Becky has taught high school biology, chemistry, environmental science and astronomy. Before coming to the teaching profession, Becky did medical research for Denton Cooley, M.D. heart surgery teams and worked as a legal assistant to the law firm of Vinson & Elkins in Houston. She became a secondary science teacher by way of alternative certification in 1994.

Rebecca Collier is currently an instructional campus technologist in Killeen ISD, training and instructing campus staff, managing a large network, and purchasing for the program. She has been a part of the JSC-ARES education team since 1997 as a curriculum writer and presenter. Her technology skills have been essential in the development of this CD. A talented classroom teacher, she was chosen Middle School Teacher of the Year-Texas Region 12 in 1997 and Secondary Teacher of the Year -Texas Region 12 in 2000. Twice she has been named Texas State Finalist-Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching (1996,1997). Becky was a NEWMAST participant in 1996.

Marilyn Lindstrom is a PhD geochemist and currently lead scientist of education and public outreach for the Johnson Space Center ARES Office. For the last decade she has led scientist-educator partnerships in developing classroom activities, exhibits, and planetarium shows. During this time she was meteorite curator and a principal investigator in the NASA Cosmo Chemistry Program (1986-2000) until she accepted the full time E/PO position. She has won the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for her leadership in education and public outreach.

Cheryl Pittman has taught biology, AP environmental science, environmental systems, and physical science at Pearland High School in Texas. Cheryl has been a part of the JSC-ARES education team since 1998. She has been the lead developer of many of our advanced astrobiology activities. She is a long time presenter at regional and national science conferences. Cheryl's work in the classroom has resulted in her receiving several grants.

Karen Stocco is an award-winning high school science teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. She is currently teaching chemistry and astronomy at Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena, Texas. She has partnered with scientists at NASA-JSC since 1993. In this capacity, she has helped develop classroom activities and then presented them to educators at local, state, and national meetings. Karen was a NEWMAST participant in 1989, GTE-GIFT Grant recipient in 1996, and Texas Earth Science Teacher of the Year in 1997-1998.

Kay Tobola recently joined the JSC-ARES E/PO office full time after teaching middle school language arts for 26 years. She has focused on G/T education, middle school concept, writing across the curriculum, and motivating reluctant readers. Kay has partnered with the NASA-JSC scientists since 1993. In this capacity, she helped develop classroom activities and presented them to educators at local, state, and national meetings.