Why organize a Teachers' Day?
Strengthening ties between the high school teachers and the professional community, which have been traditionally weak, benefits both. Below are listed some of the benefits Teachers' Days can bring to these communities. Teachers' Days are designed to:
- Introduce physics teachers to some physics research, typically (and preferably) in the field of the section or division meeting
- Expose them to novel hands-on, inquiry-centered activities for use in their own classrooms
- Provide them opportunity to become better acquainted with working physicists
- Bring local teachers together to become better acquainted with one another
- Develop and cultivate a stronger sense of belonging to the larger professional community
Benefits to high school students
A student's first encounter with physics is typically in the high school classroom. The better their experience learning physics, the more likely they will consider pursuing a physics major in college. High school teachers who participate in Teachers' Days can bring renewed energy and enthusiasm back to their classroom, ultimately benefiting the students and helping to recruit future scientists.
Benefits to the broader physics community
Teachers' Day activities at the national meetings can serve to sensitize members of the section or division to the importance of supporting high school physics instruction. It can also serve to build stronger ties between local high school and university faculty.
