A teacher does not need a classroom; José Cotayo has an entire museum at his fingertips to teach people of all ages about the wonders of STEAM. Your kids have probably met him during a field trip to the Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI).

His role extends beyond the museum's walls and into the vastness of outer space, where he helps families immerse themselves in worlds and galaxies beyond our own, all while our feet stay planted on the ground.

We caught up with him recently to learn more.

TBPM: What is your role at MOSI, and what does it mean to you?

JC: As the Education Specialist at MOSI, I'm privileged to be able to do a little bit of everything. Whether it's heading out to a school to set up telescopes for a family night, expanding the audience's knowledge of the cosmos inside the Saunders Planetarium, or leading camps and workshops onsite, I find myself educating students and adults in our community across various science and technology subjects.

TBPM: You are a NASA Solar System Ambassador. What does this mean, and how did you land this designation?

JC: I've always been fascinated with space, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with the general public. A fellow educator saw this passion and dedication and suggested I apply to the program.

Being recognized as a NASA Solar System Ambassador volunteer has granted me access to a repository of resources and webinars that I draw from to further enhance my presentations.

TBPM: What sparked your interest in astronomy?

JC: I was fortunate to grow up beneath dark skies, and my parents tried their best to point out the two or three star patterns they knew, which was enough to spark my curiosity. I read as much as I could about the planets and the night sky, and my parents must have noticed, because I received a telescope for Christmas one year.

At first, we struggled to even find the Moon through it, but once we did and were able to move on to Saturn, it cemented my lifelong interest in space.

TBPM: The Artemis II launch is the big space news lately. Do you think it will help reinvigorate interest among the younger generation in the space program?

JC: There are a lot of kids who will answer, “I want to be an astronaut!” when asked about their dreams, and with the launch of Artemis II, I can only expect that number to increase! Children who look at the crew of the Artemis II mission can see someone who looks like them tackling this incredible challenge, and they'll know that nothing is beyond their reach.

TBPM: For families who want to nurture their child’s interest in space, tell us more about the SkyWatch programs you lead at MOSI and how families can participate.

JC: Families can join MOSI astronomers for a night of stargazing during one of our SkyWatch astronomy nights at MOSI. These are special nights where our crew sets up telescopes and answers any space-related questions you may have.

The event is great for families with young ones interested in space, and it's a fantastic community resource where you're able to learn about space and maybe even catch a glimpse of another planet through one of our scopes!

TBPM: MOSI also launched a Telescope Tutoring class. Tell us about this!

JC: Setting up your first telescope can be daunting — believe me, I've been there — and that's why MOSI launched the Telescope Tutoring series! It's a hands-on workshop where you bring your equipment, and we help you get started on using it. Whether it's your first telescope or you've upgraded to a smart telescope, MOSI will help you feel less intimidated by it as you learn to use it and find targets in the night sky.

TBPM: Why is it so important to you to teach kids about the wonders of space?

JC: Because space has so much to teach us! We have been looking up and dreaming of the stars for millennia, but we finally live in a time where we have the technology to visit nearby worlds with robots and even send humans to the Moon. Young students are just the right age where they'll probably see the first people landing on the surface of Mars — and some of them will grow up to be the astronauts taking those historic steps. 

TBPM: What is it like when they figure out how to use their telescopes for the first time?

JC: I think the excited gasps and ear-to-ear grins speak for themselves. It's contagious, and you can't help but grin alongside them.

TBPM: Any personal favorite exhibits or things to do at MOSI that you think are not-to-miss?

JC: No visit to MOSI is complete without a trip to the Saunders Planetarium, plus the Science Live! Show daily at 2 p.m. It’s a real science demonstration beneath the dome in the Raymond James Amphitheater. Another favorite activity of mine is flying a drone through the obstacle course in the Flight Club Drone Zone!

TBPM: When you aren’t at MOSI, what are some of your other favorite things to do in Tampa Bay?

JC: I enjoy taking a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and the various parks in the Tampa Bay region, though you'll sometimes find me not too far from MOSI, riding a roller coaster or two at Busch Gardens.

Upcoming Classes at MOSI

SkyWatch and Telescope Tutoring are on a summer hiatus, but will resume this fall, so save the date!

SkyWatch: Resumes September 2026

Join MOSI astronomers to view planets, stars and galaxies through the lenses of MOSI’s telescopes from on top of the MOSI Dome. SkyWatch is free for members and $5 for non-members. Learn more here.

Sept. 18, 2026, from 8-10 p.m.
Oct. 9, 2026, from 8-10 p.m.
Nov. 13, 2026, from 8-10 p.m.
Dec. 11, 2026, from 8-10 p.m.
Jan. 8, 2027, from 8-10 p.m.
Feb. 12, 2027, from 8-10 p.m.
March 12, 2027, from 8-10 p.m.

Telescope Tutoring: Resumes October 026

Bring your telescope and learn how to use it during this two-hour class. Tickets for MOSI members are $37.50; for non-members, it’s $50. Learn more here.

Oct. 22, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Nov. 19, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Jan. 12, 2027, at 7 p.m.
Feb. 25, 2027, at 7 p.m.

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Teacher to Know: José Cotayo, Education Specialist at Museum of Science & Innovation (MOSI)