Relevancy of the Educator Astronaut to the Space Program

As I understand it, the Educator Astronaut is
-1- A mission specialist with specific skills in K-12 education
-2- Required to fulfill same duties as traditional MS
(e.g. EVA, remote manipulator arm operator, payload specialist, ISS
construction, etc.)

The purpose of the Educator Astronaut is to "help lead the Agency in the
development of new ways to connect space exploration with the classroom,
and to inspire the next generation of explorers." According to
http://edspace.nasa.gov/faq/faq.html , they will "experience something
unique that they can use to engage students and to inspire them to
consider a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

Currently, 3-6 educator astronaut candidates will be selected to be
among the next Astronaut Candidate group.

Indeed, NASA lists Educational Excellence as one of its contributions to
National Priorities within its Strategic Roadmap. In this
self-proclaimed role, some specific actions NASA is taking (under
various categories) include
-Produce teaching tools (cat: Educational Technology)
-Coordinate and articulate student programs (cat: Student Support)
-Provide professional development in standards-led education (cat:
Support of Systemic Improvement)

See "The Role of Education in NASA's Strategic Plan" at
http://education.nasa.gov/implan/role.html for additional information.

I see pros and cons to this program.

PROS:
-NASA offers a unique perspective to inspire children because it gives a
glimpse of the future that can be attained via math, science and
engineering.
-NASA astronauts are positive role models and outstanding spokespersons
for the sciences.
-As Barbara Morgan said in a 2000 interview with NEA, NASA is showing
that teachers are as important as geologists, engineers, physicians and
scientists to the space program.

CONS:
-NASA's foray into the education arena may be viewed as a Public
Relations campaign to inspire support for NASA more than for education.
-There are other agencies tasked with promoting K-12 education (e.g.
NSF) in math and science. NASA should concentrate its resources on its
primary missions.
-NASA can do more to inspire children and adults with successful
missions and driving towards a National goal (e.g. Hubble Space
Telescope, Mars Pathfinder).
-Why teachers and not politicians, journalists or artists?

Additional PROS/CONS and your comments welcome.

Thanks for reading.