December 21, 2020 — The design of the first U.S. coin to honor a teacher has been formally unveiled, showing the first educator to launch towards space. The artwork for the 2021 Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollar was officially unveiled on Friday (Dec. 18), during a virtual presentation hosted by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the non-profit organization that will benefit from the coin's sale. As authorized by Congress, the commemorative coin is being issued in celebration of the life and legacy of McAuliffe, who died with her six crewmates aboard the Jan. 28, 1986 launch of the space shuttle Challenger. "Almost 35 years ago, the world watched as tragedy unfolded in the skies over Florida. As the first participant in NASA's Teacher in Space program, Christa embodied the dreams of many who wish to reach for the stars," David Ryder, director of the U.S. Mint, said during the ceremony. "The Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollar will celebrate the life and legacy of a true pioneer, a passionate educator and an inspiration to millions."