Jill Weaver, Ohio AEM
Posted on October 21, 2024 at 5:37 PM by Virginia Smith
AEM Jill Weaver, a 7th- and 8th-grade STEM teacher in Ohio, says her teaching philosophy 'centers on fostering curiosity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.' |
October 21, 2024
Meet Jill Weaver, a 7th- and 8th-grade STEM teacher at Valley View Junior High School in Farmersville, Ohio. She is an ambassador educator for several organizations and the 2022 National Aviation Hall of Fame Crossfield Aerospace Educator. She chose the path of being an educator over 20 years ago with a passion for inspiring students in STEM fields. "I joined the field because I believe that education is the key to unlocking potential and providing opportunities," she says, "particularly in areas like STEM, where the future holds endless possibilities." She became a Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Member (AEM) in 2009, and she and her students have enjoyed the benefits of programs, including the STEM Kit Program and a Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) flight. "In a district with limited resources, these STEM Kits have opened doors to learning that many students wouldn’t otherwise experience," she says. "One student, after launching a [STEM Kit] rocket for the first time, excitedly said, 'I was not expecting my rocket to really take off! This was really cool; can we launch again?'” She is a national award-winning aerospace/STEM educator and believes these fields can inspire a lifelong passion for discovery. "STEM education is about solving real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for the future. Aerospace education takes that a step further by encouraging students to look up, dream big, and understand that the sky is not the limit — it's just the beginning." We asked her some questions about her teaching career and her involvement with CAP. Her answers follow.
Please tell us about your school and the classes you teach.
I am a 7th- and 8th-grade STEM teacher at Valley View Junior High School in Farmersville, Ohio. I am an ambassador educator for several organizations and the 2022 National Aviation Hall of Fame Crossfield Aerospace Educator.
How many years have you been an educator, why did you choose this path, and what keeps you in the field?
I've been an educator for over 20 years, with a deep passion for inspiring students in STEM fields. My journey into education began with a desire to empower young minds, by giving
Jill Weaver enjoys teaching aerospace/STEM because it 'challenges students to think beyond their immediate environment.' |
them access to hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and innovation. I joined the field because I believe that education is the key to unlocking potential and providing opportunities, particularly in areas like STEM, where the future holds endless possibilities.
What keeps me in education is seeing the spark in students' eyes when they grasp a challenging concept or complete a project that once seemed impossible. The joy of watching students grow in confidence and take ownership of their learning fuels my passion. I'm especially motivated by the stories of former students who have gone on to pursue careers in aviation, engineering, and other STEM fields.
Every day, I am reminded that my role as an educator goes beyond teaching content; it’s about mentoring, encouraging, and helping students see the world differently through the lens of possibility and exploration. It's these moments that make the challenges of education so rewarding, and it's why I continue to find purpose in this work.
What is your philosophy of teaching?
My teaching philosophy centers on fostering curiosity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving through high-interest, hands-on, project-based learning. I believe that STEM education at this critical age should inspire students to explore their world, connect with the technological advancements shaping their future, and engage in the learning process with enthusiasm and purpose. By emphasizing active, project-based learning, I guide students through the process of designing, creating, and testing their ideas in tangible ways. Whether through engineering challenges, coding projects, robotics, or environmental studies, my classroom is a space where students can build, experiment, and collaborate. These experiences allow students to develop critical thinking and technical skills while igniting their creativity and interest in STEM.
Please list awards/honors/achievements you have received as an educator that you would like to include.
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Honeywell Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy (2006 and 2011)
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Pathfinder Teacher in Space, Experimental Design Balloon Flight (2012)
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AFA State Teacher of the Year (2016)
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Martha Holden Jennings Outstanding Educator (2017)
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Outstanding Earth Science Teacher OEST Award (2017)
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A. Scott Crossfield National Aerospace Educator Award (2022)
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Limitless Space Institute Inaugural Class of Educational Ambassadors (2023)
How many years have you been involved in Civil Air Patrol and how did you learn about the program?
In 2009, I discovered the incredible resources of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during a teacher workshop at The National Museum of the United States Air Force. Inspired by CAP's mission and tools, I joined that very day. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of completing a Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) Flight in 2010. It was an unforgettable experience where I flew over and around my rural school district, gaining a new perspective of the area where I teach. This hands-on adventure was just the beginning of a rewarding journey with CAP.
Tell us about your TOP flight experience and how that helped you and your students.
In 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) flight at Moraine Air Park. The anticipation of taking to the skies in a small aircraft was exhilarating, but what truly made the experience unforgettable was flying over my rural school district. From above, I could see the patchwork of farmlands, winding roads, and small communities where my students live and grow.
As we soared higher, the familiar landscapes transformed into a stunning aerial view, reminding me of the vastness of the world and how much there is for my students to explore. The thrill of the flight, combined with the realization of how connected we all are, reignited my passion for encouraging students to dream beyond the horizon. That flight wasn’t just a personal adventure — it reinforced my belief in the power of STEM education and the limitless possibilities it offers.
Please describe any additional Civil Air Patrol education programs you participate in and why you participate.
Through CAP’s extensive STEM Kit program, I’ve brought high-tech learning to my students, providing access to cutting-edge materials such as Sphero Robotics, Raspberry Pi, Flight Simulators, Rocketry, Snap Circuits, a Weather Station, Hydraulics, and Quadcopters. The programs offered through the educator page, like UAVs, Earth and Space Science, and an Introduction to Robotics, have been invaluable. In a district with limited resources, these STEM Kits have opened doors to learning that many students wouldn’t otherwise experience.
One student, after launching a rocket for the first time, excitedly said, “I was not expecting my rocket to really take off! This was really cool; can we launch again?” These moments—where curiosity and excitement collide—are exactly why CAP’s programs are such a powerful force in education.
The impact of these experiences goes beyond the classroom. Nine of my former students have gone on to obtain their pilot’s license, and one is now a flight instructor. He recently sent me an email expressing his gratitude, telling me to keep inspiring kids. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the spark ignited by CAP’s programs can turn into a lifelong passion.
With CAP's support, I’ve been able to provide my students with unforgettable learning experiences, fostering their interest in aerospace, engineering, and robotics for many years. It’s not just about the kits; it’s about sparking a passion for STEM that will stay with them for life.
Why do you teach in the Aerospace Education/STEM area?
I teach in the Aerospace Education and STEM area because I believe these fields offer students a unique blend of exploration, innovation, and hands-on learning that can ignite a lifelong passion for discovery. Aerospace, in particular, opens up a world of possibilities — it challenges students to think beyond their immediate environment and consider the broader universe, pushing the boundaries of what they think is possible. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of flight, space exploration, and the cutting-edge technologies that drive these areas. Through my involvement in high-altitude balloon launches, CubeSat designs, and aerospace programs like Civil Air Patrol, I’ve seen firsthand how these experiences engage students in ways that traditional classroom learning sometimes cannot. STEM education is about solving real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for the future. Aerospace education takes that a step further by encouraging students to look up, dream big, and understand that the sky is not the limit — it's just the beginning. Teaching in this field allows me to empower students to become the engineers, scientists, and explorers of tomorrow, inspiring them to contribute to advances that will shape the future of our world.
What is the best advice you have for a new AEM working with CAP programs and materials?
The best advice I have for a new Aerospace Education Member working with Civil Air Patrol (CAP) programs and materials is to embrace the wealth of resources and support CAP provides while keeping the learning hands-on and engaging for students. Here are a few tips:
Dive Into the Curriculum: CAP offers a wide array of aerospace education materials, STEM kits, and lesson plans. Spend time exploring these resources and choose the ones that best fit your students’ needs. Kits like the Rocketry Program, Flight Simulator, and Robotics are highly engaging and help students grasp complex STEM concepts through practical experience.
Start Small and Build Up: Begin with a manageable project that introduces aerospace concepts, such as simple rocketry or balloon launches. As you become more familiar with the materials and how your students engage, you can move on to more complex activities like building drones or working on space missions.
Collaborate and Seek Support: Reach out to fellow AEMs or CAP educators who have experience with the programs. The CAP community is incredibly supportive and collaborative, offering advice, troubleshooting tips, and creative ways to implement the programs effectively.
Incorporate Local Aerospace Connections: Bring in guest speakers from local aerospace industries, visit nearby airports or aviation museums, or even schedule orientation flights. These real-world connections make aerospace concepts more tangible for students and open up career exploration opportunities.
Make it Hands-On and Inquiry-Based: Engage students with hands-on projects and encourage them to ask questions and solve problems. CAP materials are designed for experiential learning, so embrace that model to keep students curious and active in their learning.
Inspire with the Big Picture: Remind students that the skills they are learning through CAP programs — whether it's aerodynamics, robotics, or rocketry — are preparing them for future careers in STEM fields, including aerospace, engineering, and technology. Frame their learning in a way that connects their efforts to real-world innovation and exploration.
By leveraging CAP’s resources and staying connected to the broader community, you can create dynamic, memorable learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and aerospace.
Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience you have had working with students or colleagues using CAP programs:
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had using CAP programs was when I introduced a group of middle school students to rocketry through CAP’s model rocketry program. Many of these students came from rural backgrounds and had little exposure to aerospace concepts, let alone the idea of building and launching their own rocket. As we set up the launchpad on the field, I remember one student, who had been particularly hesitant at the start of the project, nervously prepping her rocket for launch. When it soared into the sky and deployed its parachute, her face lit up with pride. She turned to me and said, “I didn’t think I could actually do that.” That moment was incredibly rewarding. Not only did the students learn about aerospace and STEM principles, but they also gained confidence in their own abilities to create, experiment, and succeed. The CAP rocketry program had transformed a classroom into a place of possibility and ignited a spark in students who may never have realized their potential in science and engineering. Watching them celebrate each other’s successes and overcome challenges was a reminder of why I’m so passionate about teaching through CAP programs. It’s about more than just the rockets — it’s about inspiring young minds to aim high and realize they can achieve more than they ever imagined.
Is there anything we didn't ask that you'd like to say? Please tell us anything else you’d like to add for this feature on an AEM. We want to tell your story.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is an incredible place to connect with passionate educators who share a commitment to inspiring students through aerospace education and STEM. From the moment I joined CAP, I was welcomed into a supportive community of teachers, mentors, and STEM advocates who are eager to share their knowledge and experiences. CAP provides not only an extensive library of resources and programs, but also opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with like-minded educators across the country. Whether it's through attending CAP workshops, participating in educator flights, or working together on student projects like high-altitude balloon launches, I’ve found that the connections I’ve made with fellow educators have been invaluable. These relationships have allowed me to grow as an educator, gain new insights into innovative teaching strategies, and continually find fresh ways to engage students in STEM. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion for aerospace education in CAP makes it an exceptional platform for both personal and professional growth.
Jill Weaver praises the benefits of using CAP STEM Kits, including the Rocketry STEM Kit. |