APS News

August/September 2018 (Volume 27, Number 8)

PhysTEC Announces the 2018 National Teacher of the Year

By Leah Poffenberger

Each year, the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) selects a group of outstanding recent graduates from physics teaching preparedness programs around the U.S. PhysTEC recognizes up to one local Teacher of the Year per PhysTEC institution and a single national Teacher of the Year. This year’s national winner is Tiffany Taylor from Rogers Heritage High School in Rogers, Arkansas.

The Teacher of the Year award recognizes the contributions of physics educators to their school and the physics community at large. Award recipients receive a certificate of recognition from PhysTEC, funding to attend two professional physics conferences focused on teaching and teaching preparedness, and a grant of $1000 for classroom materials.

Taylor was especially noted for her recruitment efforts and the increase in enrollment of students in AP Physics 1 and 2, from only 26 students in her first year of teaching, to over 80 students in recent years. More than 40% of her students are typically from underrepresented groups in physics (including women and Hispanic populations).

“She pays close attention to ensuring that all students feel welcome in her class,” says the announcement on the PhysTEC website. “As part of her award, she receives funds to attend the 2018 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Summer Meeting in Washington, DC, and the 2019 PhysTEC Conference in Boston, MA, where she will receive public recognition for her achievements.”

Tiffany Taylor photo

Tiffany Taylor

PhysTEC is jointly led by APS and AAPT and aims to improve the education and preparedness of future physics teachers by transforming physics departments, creating successful models for physics teacher education programs, and disseminating best practices. For more details, visit the PhysTEC website.

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Editor: David Voss
Staff Science Writer: Leah Poffenberger
Contributing Correspondent: Alaina G. Levine
Publication Designer and Production: Nancy Bennett-Karasik

August/September 2018 (Volume 27, Number 8)

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Articles in this Issue
2018 APS General Election Results
An Evolving and Leading-edge Journal with a Rich History
Interdisciplinary Excellence
2019 APS Medal for Exceptional Achievement in Research Awarded to Bertrand I. Halperin
Spectra Takes on San Diego Comic-Con
First Group of Fundamental Physics Innovation Awards Announced
Missile-Defense Systems May Risk Space Warfare
American Institute of Physics CEO Michael H. Moloney
Top Undergrads Vie for Apker Award
U.S Physics Team Returns from Lisbon
PhysTEC Announces the 2018 National Teacher of the Year
This Month in Physics History
News from the APS Office of Government Affairs
FYI: Science Policy News from AIP
Education and Diversity News
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