Bay District Schools is proud to celebrate one of its own, Crystal Wielenga, who was recently selected to participate in the Navy League’s prestigious Educator at Sea program alongside Gulf Coast State College’s Katie McCurdy.
The two joined a select group of STEM educators from across the country for this unique experience aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt from March 30–April 2, 2026. The program, led by the Navy League of the United States, offers educators an immersive, firsthand look at naval operations and the critical role of the Sea Services.
Wielenga, a Master Science Teacher in Bay District Schools and instructor for Gulf Coast State College’s Summer STEM program, had the opportunity to explore nearly every aspect of life aboard the aircraft carrier. From the flight deck and hangar bay to the bridge, medical facilities, and jet engine machine shop, the experience provided a deep dive into real-world STEM applications. Participants even traveled to and from the ship aboard an Osprey aircraft and spent a night onboard, gaining a true sense of daily operations at sea.
Throughout the program, Wielenga and McCurdy met with Navy leadership and crew members, sharing meals and conversations that offered valuable insight into careers in the military and maritime fields. These experiences will directly enhance the way STEM concepts are taught, helping students better understand how classroom learning connects to real-world innovation and problem-solving.
“This incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allowed us to bring back invaluable experiences and knowledge to share with the youth of our community,” said McCurdy. “We are excited to highlight the real-world applications of STEM and inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.”
Bay District Schools remains committed to providing students with meaningful, engaging learning experiences that prepare them for success in high-demand fields. Opportunities like the Educator at Sea program help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world application bringing learning to life in powerful ways.