Christine Gustafson, a chemistry teacher at Millard South High School, was selected as the recipient of the 2026 Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Education and Human Sciences presents the award annually to a Nebraska teacher who exemplifies the character of McAuliffe, the first teacher in space, who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster. Gustafson was presented the award by Mike Merten, interim dean of the college, during a surprise ceremony at her school Oct. 13.
Gustafson has spent more than 20 years teaching science primarily in middle and high schools, including the past seven years at Millard South. She is a past president of the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science, serving as the organization’s leader from 2020-24.
“Every year, I find myself reminding students that memorizing science content is not the primary goal of our class,” Gustafson wrote. “Learning to think like a scientist – to question, investigate, collaborate, and make sense of the world is our goal, and we use science content to develop those habits.”
In her classroom, Gustafson focuses on fostering critical thinking and scientific literacy while creating an environment where students become informed consumers of science. Throughout her career, she has emphasized the importance of individual backgrounds and experiences, pursuing science education that is engaging, accessible and equitable for every student she teaches.
“I hope to contribute to a vision of science education in which students and teachers alike view science as an active, evolving process shaped by curiosity, collaboration and shared responsibility,” Gustafson wrote.
Gustafson is also pursuing her doctorate as a member of the Noyce Master Teaching Fellows Program in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education (CSMCE). The program is designed to strengthen science education in Nebraska by developing science teacher-leaders through an education specialist degree program and ongoing professional development activities.
“Chris Gustafson believes that teaching is an act of hope – and that courage in education means telling the truth, opening doors, and trusting students with complexity,” said Erin Ingram, the center's associate director, who nominated Gustafson. “Her work has changed classrooms, expanded access, inspired colleagues, and strengthened bridges between science and society across Nebraska.”
The Christa McAuliffe Prize for Courage and Excellence in Education was created in 1987 and recognizes one Nebraska teacher annually who best represents the courage and excellence that were evident in the life of Christa McAuliffe. Gustafson is the 40th recipient of the award. For more information about the McAuliffe Prize and its past recipients, visit cehs.unl.edu/courage/.
