2014 Master Teachers: Elias Molen

As a space education specialist for the Space Foundation, Elias Molen is responsible for a broad range of the Space Foundation’s space-related educational programs. This includes managing and teaching the Colorado Springs-based Space Across the Curriculum professional development  courses for teachers from around the nation, promoting space education in area schools and developing and implementing curriculum and education programs that support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each year Elias teaches thousands of students participating in Space Foundation’s Discover the Universe field trip program.  He incorporates hands-on activities aligned to classroom state standards that engage and inspire kids of all ages to pursue STEM education.  Elias also helps manage and run the AGI Space Mission Simulator Lab and Mars Robotics Laboratory at the Space Foundation World Headquarters. 

Prior to working with the Space Foundation, Elias spent three years teaching chemistry, astronomy, physics, oceanography, meteorology and integrated science at the high school level for Lake County (Colo.) School District in Leadville, Colo. and two years at Houck Middle School in Salem, Ore. He served as science department chairperson, a building and district leadership team member, educational coach, science curriculum supervisor and textbook adoption committee member. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s in teaching from George Fox University, Newberg, Ore.