A Teacher for All, Christa McAuliffe
An extraordinary woman, teacher, spouse, mother, and astronaut, Christa McAuliffe lost her life on the space shuttle Challenger’s fatal voyage 25 years ago. Lesbian filmmakers made a documentary about McAuliffe not only because of her leadership, but also because she left a major legacy that still teaches all of us today. The filmmakers interviewed one of her students who told of McAuliffe’s intolerance towards bullies and how she made him feel safe.
We remember that day 25 years ago. I was in kindergarten and remember my principal announcing on the PA that the astronauts lost their lives on the Challenger. Even as a adolescent, I understood how much we lost that day when 7 diverse astronauts fearlessly met their fates and left legacies for us to learn.
The 1988 movie, Stand and Deliver, told the true story of Jaime Escalante-a Bolivian born math teacher who taught with a platform of inspiration. He turned a failing calculus program at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles to one of the top in the nation. According to actor Edward James Olmos, “he really made us understand that it didn’t matter what color, race, creed or ethnicity any of us are.” Many of the students he taught excelled in math and went on to have successful careers; they attribute their successes to Mr. Escalante’s teachings and legacy. He passed away from cancer at age 79 with his family at his side.
