Help for the Isolated Physics Teacher

ORAL

Abstract

The feeling of professional loneliness that comes from being the only physics teacher in a school is one of the many reasons new physics teachers choose to leave the field. This interactive discussion will detail some of the ways that our institutions and we as individuals can provide meaningful support for isolated physics teachers. We will share ideas, including physics-based student challenges/competitions and regular local meetings of a local Physics Teacher Alliance, that provide opportunities for teachers to share experiences, test new lesson ideas, and simply spend more time with people who understand the punchline to a geeky joke.

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Authors

  • Phil DiStefano

    Hamline University, Florida International University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Kentucky, APS, San Diego State University, Green River Community College, California State University, Long Beach, University of Arkansas, Aibilene Christian University, American Chemical Society, Rutgers University, University of Maryland, University of Colorado-Boulder, Western Washington University, University of Arizona, Center for Astronomy Education (CAE), ACS, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Colorado

  • Al Bennett

    Centennial High School, SUNY Stonybrook, Towson University, University of Texas at El Paso, Xavier University, Moorehouse, Pioneer High School, North Carolina State University, California State University, San Marcos, Chicago State University, University of Arkansas, University of Texas at Austin, Middle Tennessee State University, APS, Virginia Tech, California State University, Long Beach, National Science Foundation, Seattle Pacific University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Florida International University, Rutgers University, New Mexico State University, University of California, Irvine, University of California, Santa Barbara