In the 1990s, NASA created the Educator Astronaut Project, which carries on the objectives of the Teacher in Space Program—seeking to elevate teaching as a profession and inspire students.
In addition to their technical assignments, they assist other astronauts in connecting to students and teachers through space exploration.
[2][3][4][5] Joseph M. Acaba, Richard R. Arnold and Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger were selected as the first educator mission specialists in the 2004 class.
Metcalf-Lindenburger flew on STS-131 in April 2010, also visiting the ISS aboard Space Shuttle Discovery.
Morgan completed two years of astronaut training and evaluation, and began official duties in 2000.