The PhysTEC project: A perspective on what it takes to recruit and educate more physics teachers

The PhysTEC project has more than doubled the number of physics teachers educated at supported sites. These institutions were selected for their potential to implement change primarily in physics departments and build model teacher education programs. Key components of PhysTEC programs include active recruiting, early teaching experiences, pedagogical content knowledge, Learning Assistants, and induction and mentoring. Important structural elements include a program champion, a Teacher in Residence, assessment, collaboration, and institutional commitment. The PhysTEC project has supported about 20 institutions to date. In order to more fully address the national need for qualified physics teachers, the effort would need to be scaled up substantially. There is evidence of growing interest among physics departments in taking on this issue, and a national coalition committed to improving the education of future physics teachers has expanded to include more than 250 member institutions. The project is experimenting with targeted sites, funded at a lower level, to implement focused programs. In addition, PhysTEC is partnering with aligned efforts to magnify its impact. PhysTEC is a project led by APS with AAPT, and supported by the NSF and the APS Campaign for the 21st Century.