The Teacher in Space Project is an outgrowth of the NASA Space Flight Participation Program that was designed to expand Space Shuttle flight opportunities to a wider segment of private citizens. 4 inches. Be sure to see our Free Education Resources Page including free worksheets, links and more for educators and students. Barbara Morgan, NASA's first Educator Astronaut, has been assigned as a crewmember upcoming Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station. A native of McCall, Idaho, Morgan was selected in 1985 as the backup candidate for the Teacher in Space program. Following the Challenger accident, the program was suspended and Morgan worked with NASAs Education Office, meeting with teachers and students across the country to share her space training experiences and their relevance to the classroom and Americas future. In the fall of 1986 Morgan returned to teaching at McCall-Donnelly Elementary School in Idaho, but continued to travel the country in support of NASAs education efforts. In January 1998, she was selected by NASA to complete her astronaut training.