About Us

Thousands of elementary, middle and high school teachers since 1991 have received our professional development to infuse exciting science and mathematics data into their programming. Evidence of increased state test scores in mathematics and science at Grade 4 and 8 reflect U.S. Satellite efforts. U.S. Satellite works with NASA Explorer Schools and other science education initiatives for NASA and NOAA.

With a pipeline of products and state-of-the-art onsite and online Professional Development and classroom follow-up serving Grades 3 and up, U.S. Satellite is poised to serve thousands of additional schools over the next three years.

We seek new clients and sponsors to develop custom curricular activities to serve new audiences. Most recent awards include:

In 2009, New York's Department of Labor awarded U.S. Satellite a $441,000 award to apply its research-based methodologies into a new area of adult learning. Transitional and Emerging Workers will take live online training in preparation to earn the National Work Readiness Credential.

In 2008, NASA granted U.S. Satellite a 5-year, $2,500,000 award for the design and implementation of the NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Program. In a highly competitive process, teachers across the U.S. compete for NASA Endeavor Fellowships to earn the Endeavor certificate. Partners include the state departments of education and Teachers College, Columbia University.

In 2007, NSF awarded U.S. Satellite a 2-year, $950,000 award to implement SPRINTT in middle and high school classrooms around the world. With an Alaska Native lens, students will perform formal research on Climate Change.

In 2006, NOAA awarded U.S. Satellite a 3-year, $600,000 award for the development and delivery of ACES, an expansion of NASA-Sponsored 'Signals of Spring.' Schools will teach science in the context of the Ocean.

In 2005, NASA awarded U.S. Satellite a 2-year, $450,000 award for the delivery of Short-courses to NASA Explorer Schools. LIVE, interactive courses will be delivered through 2007.

In 2004, NASA awarded U.S. Satellite a 5-year, $2.2 million dollar award for the creation of a new curriculum-based product, Project 3D-VIEW, for 5th and 6th Grade. This will be an exciting undertaking for us. We seek 1200 teachers across the U.S. to participate.

Our Team

Glen Schuster is U.S. Satellite’s Founder and President, and a leading Scientist Educator. With a background in meteorology [M.S.] and as a master trainer serving educators across the globe, Glen works to transform traditional classrooms into working science, mathematics and technology laboratories. These are places where authentic science is practiced and learned in various contexts, places where math and science test scores increase and students develop skills to be competitive in tomorrow’s workplace.

The U.S. Satellite team, with combined experience averaging 15-20 years per person, includes exceptionally talented curriculum designers and developers:

Kathryn Taylor, Ed.D., Lead Curriculum Designer, has been affiliated with U.S. Satellite since its inception in 1991. A former K-12 science supervisor for a suburban school district in New Jersey and an author of technology products and curricular materials, Taylor was one of the first educators to thoroughly integrate technology into a K-12 science program. Taylor's background is also in Chemistry Education. She has a gift for bringing strong, thematic content to a comprehensive curriculum product.

Meghan Marrero, Ed.D.is U.S. Satellite's Director of Curriculum. She is a former New York City science educator. She leads a team of curriculum developers and ensures a research-based design in all classroom activities. Her interest in Ocean Literacy for educators and students is propelling research in this area with the Signals of Spring - ACES product. Meghan coordinates the STAGE program, as well as Project 3D-VIEW materials and training in large urban school districts and across the U.S.

Linda Knight, Ed.D. is a science content expert with a focus in Earth science. The former co-Director of a professional development hands-on laboratory for science educators in a large urban school district, Linda develops activities and integrates visualizations for students to better understand science concepts.

Tara Alvarez is a most special talent. Tara is a Mechanical Engineer and serves as U.S. Satellite's Web Engineer and Graphic Artist. The most versatile member of the organization, Tara designs all of the web sites, CD and DVD products, hard copy for lessons, efolio system for STAGE and the integration of the curriculum products. Since 1998, Tara's work at U.S. Satellite has earned her a number of awards. Her ability to crystallize the integration of a number of products puts her at the forefront of her peers in this area.

Jessica Fitzsimons Riccio, Ed.D. is a Curriculum Developer and earned her doctorate at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research interests include content-area literacy in science education. Jessica's unique talents and perspective contribute to the basis of the classroom activities in Project 3D-VIEW.

Amanda M. Gunning, Ph.D. is a former high school physics teacher and currently teaches graduate courses for pre- and in-service teachers at Teachers College, Columbia University. She possesses a love of physical science and a goal of making it accessible to all learners. This passion drives her work at U.S. Satellite as an online instructor for the NASA Endeavor Science Teaching Certificate Project.

Karen Woodruff, Curriculum Writer, is a seasoned curriculum developer with expertise in Earth and biological systems. A former teacher with an interest in informal education as well as formal education, Karen's dedication is unwavering. The classroom activities she writes are exciting, and capture the integration of science disciplines and more.

Amanda Bickerstaff, Project Manager, is currently integrating curriculum and professional development with schools. She is a former New York City science educator and currently an Enhanced Chancellor's Fellow in Urban Education at CUNY Graduate Center. She is an experienced curriculum and assessments writer for multiple educational companies and believes that science education should be engaging, fun, and accessible.

Kristen Crawford, Trainer and Curriculum Writer, the lead elementary science teacher for the Roosevelt School and the Cherry Hill School in River Edge, New Jersey. In addition, she assists in the implementation of Project 3D-VIEW. Energetic and very talented, Kristen is an exemplary educator with strong pedagogical science content knowledge.

Michelle Silk, Curriculum Developer and Science Writer, has taught geology, biology, geography, paleontology, oceanography, climatology, and environmental science at community colleges for more than 15 years. Her background has now expanded to include a Masters degree in Library Science with an emphasis in Science Librarianship and Science Education. She is also an Adjunct Professor in Biology at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Michelle is using these experiences to enhance her background research and curriculum development for classroom and live, interactive online delivery. She is an expert in adapting complex science concepts from online journals, digital repositories, databases and professional papers for school materials appropriate for various ages and audiences.

Kwesi Joseph, a former New York City Science Educator, uses his talent as a communicator to promote U.S. Satellite’s curriculum-based programs in schools. His careful work with state standards assures classrooms are meeting specific learning goals.

Georgia Hart, Researcher, bridges the science and education with experience teaching middle school science in New York City. Her diverse field research experiences in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Ecuador on topics including insect pollination, human impacts on ecosystems, and climate change contribute to her strength in the development of classroom materials.

Paul Kim, Ph.D. is U.S. Satellite's Chief Learning Technology Advisor, assisting our team in the development and evaluation of technology as a tool in current curricular and training activities. With a background in Educational Technology, Paul is also the current Chief Technology Officer for Stanford University's School of Education. .

Camilla Calamandrei, Author, writes a number of popular titles to supplement and enhance U.S. Satellite's curriculum products. An award-winning film producer and director, Camilla's style is compelling and her work is a valuable contribution to the curriculum team.

Miriam Yorks, Editor, provides expertise with curriculum and web edits. With a tendency toward perfection and more, U.S. Satellite curricular materials and books have a certain stylistic flair.

Sara Wolter is the Director of Operations. Her diverse background provides U.S. Satellite with leadership in both marketing and finance, and her responsibilities include development of strategic partnerships.

Gina Hernandez is the Office Manager, the front line person interfacing with teachers across the U.S. U.S. Satellite relies on Gina's detail-oriented skills to take care of most day-to-day urgent matters.