DAYTONA BEACH, FL — There are more than 85 programs teaching aviation in Florida high schools affiliated with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). For the past four years, ERAU has invited the teachers from these schools to its Daytona Beach campus for an annual Gaetz Aerospace Institute (GAI) Educator’s Conference. This year, Gleim Aviation joined the event to present our latest classroom resources.
Keynote speaker Jay Beever, Vice President of Design Operations at Embraer Executive Jets, kicked off the event on Monday, July 29. Beever is responsible for the industrial and interior design programs for Embraer’s multiple business units and customers. He has been credited as having successfully reshaped Embraer’s Executive Jet interiors to become the aviation industry’s leading benchmark. He previously worked as the Senior Manager of Design at Gulfstream Aerospace and was the Design Engineering Supervisor for Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Design Studio. He brought an innovative perspective to the table that pushed the envelope, while also highlighting a less traditional aviation career pathway for students beyond becoming a commercial pilot.
The first day offered five hours of educational programming presented by aviation instructors and industry representatives. Callie Wilkes, the Gleim Aviation STEM Coordinator, gave back-to-back presentations about STEM aviation trends and Gleim STEM resources for high schools–specifically, the Gleim Virtual Cockpit, our newly released AvLearn testing management software, flight simulation, and professional development courses.
After the presentations, attendees gathered for a cocktail reception to network and visit exhibitor booths. In addition to Gleim, exhibitors included Florida Farm Bureau’s Director of Agricultural Education Services and Technology, Keitha Bennett; AOPA’s Senior Director of the High School Aviation Initiative, Cindy Hasselbring; and representatives from JROTC and local Women in Aviation International chapters. The day concluded with an awards ceremony. The next day offered additional educational sessions before everyone headed back to prepare for the school year.
Gleim is committed to supporting STEM aviation programs and excited to work with schools, museums, and aviation enthusiasts near and far! Our time-tested study and reference materials will help your students attain higher levels of knowledge and learn problem-solving techniques. If you are a teacher and would like to become an FAA-Certificated Advanced Ground Instructor, contact us to find out how you can get our training course at no charge (normally $109.95)!*
Visit the Gleim Aviation STEM Resource Hub to learn more about our flight simulation resources, AvLearn testing management software, classroom materials, and more. We are always adding new resources for teachers. Gleim has helped pilots and educators achieve success for nearly 40 years. In fact, over 1 million people have passed their FAA exams with Gleim.
We would love to provide you with the resources you need to teach aviation. One of our Aviation Training Consultants will be happy to help your program take flight and answer any questions you have, so please call us at 800.874.5346, ext. 471 or contact us online.
Written by Callie Wilkes, Gleim Aviation Marketing & STEM Coordinator
*Offer may be discontinue without notice. Teachers must register a school-issued email address or share proof of employment as a teacher to be eligible for the free Ground Instructor course.