How to Join the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC)

Your institution is invited to join the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PTEC), a network of institutions dedicated to improving and promoting physics and physical science teacher education. PTEC is a project of the American Physical Society (APS), the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), and the American Institute of Physics (AIP). We understand that the future of both an educated, scientifically literate population, and of physics as a discipline, is dependent on high-quality teachers. Coalition members share innovative ideas, learn from national leaders in the field, and promote awareness of the importance of physics and physical science teacher education efforts. Please consider joining even if your institution is just beginning its work in teacher preparation — PTEC has much to offer members who are getting started, since planning can be much more effective through collaboration with other Coalition members.

PTEC offers two classes of membership. Colleges and universities that graduate physics teachers are eligible for institutional membership. Institutions such as national labs, non-profits, and other educational organizations that play supporting roles in pre-service teacher preparation but do not graduate physics teachers are eligible for affiliate membership. All members receive benefits, and are expected to update their PTEC.org profiles annually. Institutional members are also expected to provide data each year on the number of physics teachers graduating from their programs.

Coalition membership benefits include:

• Reduced fees to attend PTEC conferences and workshops
• Publication and dissemination opportunities
• Teacher education news and funding opportunities via the PTEC email list
• Advocacy from project leadership for teacher education programs

In order to apply for PTEC membership, please submit the following items to Gabe Popkin at popkin@aps.org:

• An endorsement by your institution's physics department head or nearest equivalent of the Joint Statement on the Education of Future Teachers, which can be viewed at www.aps.org/programs/education/future-teachers.cfm.
• A letter of support from your institution's physics department head or nearest equivalent.
• A completed PTEC membership application form, available at the bottom of this page.

We look forward to working with you and your institution as we continue to promote excellence in physics and physical science teacher preparation. If you have any questions about PTEC, please contact Gabe Popkin using the information below.

Gabe Popkin
PTEC Project Manager
American Physical Society
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740-3843
Email: popkin@aps.org
Tel: 301.209.3251

PTEC Membership Application Form

In order to access and complete the PTEC Membership Application Form, please create a PTEC user account. This will take less than one minute. If you already have a PTEC account, you may login here.