2014 Master Teachers: Jami Sunkel

Jami Sunkel is responsible for a broad range of the Space Foundation's space-related educational programs including managing and teaching Space Across the Curriculum professional development courses for teachers from around the nation, promoting space education in schools and developing and implementing curriculum and education programs that support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Jami teaches and writes curriculum for Science on Sphere. Science On a Sphere(r) is a room sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe. Throughout the school year Jami also visits classrooms to deliver space-themed standards-based lessons to inspire youth in scientific exploration and he serves as an instructor and coordinator for the Discover the Universe program.

Prior to working with the Space Foundation, Jami spent four years teaching a middle school science at James Irwin Charter Middle School in Colorado Springs. She was the science department lead teacher, member of the National Junior Honor Society faculty council, and served on the steering committee for James Irwin Charter STEM Academy. Before the classroom, she was the Curator and Director of Education for the Gateway Colorado Automobile Museum which housed over 50 American Classic Cars owned by John Hendricks Founder of the Discovery Channel. She earned her bachelor's degree from Missouri Southern University and master's degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Jami played college tennis and still competes in local tournaments.