Excellence in Physics Education Award
To recognize a team, collaboration, or an exceptional individual who has exhibited a sustained commitment to excellence in physics education. The award, presented annually, consists of a $5,000 stipend, a certificate citing the achievements of the individual or team, and an allowance for travel expenses of up to $2,000 to the APS April Meeting where the award is presented. The stipend is split equally among members of teams selected to receive the Award. The APS Forum on Education may consult with the nominator to determine which members will represent the team with invited talks at the April Meeting and receive travel reimbursements.
Rules and eligibility
A commitment to excellence in physics education may be evidenced by, but is not restricted to, such accomplishments as:
- The development of instructional materials, curriculum, or pedagogy that has had a major ongoing influence on physics education beyond a single institution.
- Sustained excellence in the preparation and/or professional development of secondary school science teachers.
- Long-lasting professional service related to physics education that has had a demonstrated positive impact beyond a single institution.
- Development of a national network that has had a demonstrated positive impact on physics education.
- The development of a model program for educational outreach that has had demonstrated success and has been emulated beyond a single institution.
Nominations will be considered for three review cycles provided the nominator re-certifies the nomination before the next deadline.
Process and selection
The nomination must include:
- A letter of not more than 5,000 characters evaluating the qualifications of the nominee(s).
In addition, the nomination should include:
- A CV or biographical sketch of an individual nominee or, for a team, a description of the team composition and the expertise each member brings to the team.
- A list of the most important publications or educational products.
- At least two, but not more than four, seconding letters.
- Up to five reprints, preprints, or other educational products.
Selection Committee
- Gay Stewart (Chair)
- Juan Manfredi (Chair)
- James Napolitano
- Erin Hansen
- Charles Henderson
- Geraldine Cochran
- Melissa Eblen-Zayas
- Hunter Sims
- Thomas Holley
- Daniel Claes
- Eddie Red
- Lioudmila Kryjevskaia
- Michael Wittmann
Establishment and support
This award was established in 2006 and endowed with support from the Richard Lounsbery Foundation, Vernier Software, WebAssign, Physics Academic Software, PASCO Scientific, General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation and numerous individual contributions.
Recent recipients
Stephen Padalino
2025 recipient
For creating an inclusive undergraduate physics education program in the classroom and laboratory settings that captures the imaginations of undergraduate students to perform fundamental research in preparation for a life of research.
Lorraine Blackwell
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Greg Dick
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Dave Fish
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
Kelly Foyle
2024 recipient
For developing outstanding educational resources that are distributed free to physics teachers in 130 countries, for fostering an international peer-to-peer teacher training network, and for delivering inclusive and inspiring educational programs to students around the world.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.