PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young PhysTEC – Mission Improve and promote the education of future physics and physical science teachers. Project Goals for the Science Preparation of Future Teachers Establish a network of institutions deeply engaged in the enterprise Produce more better-prepared elementary, middle, and high school teachers, committed to interactive, inquiry-based approaches to teaching Provide compelling evidence of the importance and success of essential ideas and components Engage physics and education faculty in collaborating together with and developing essential program elements Promote and disseminate innovative programs, methods, and ideas

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young Local Project Elements Bridges –Pursue multiple linkages between Schools of Education, Physics Departments and practicing teachers in the field –Utilize the expertise of K-12 teachers to inform educational directions with realities of the classroom and to connect physics departments with K-12 classrooms Engagement –Involve physics and education department faculty in transforming courses and curriculum to reflect active learning strategies used in successful K-12 classrooms –Raise awareness of college and university faculty of their role in recruiting, training, and mentoring future physics and physical science teachers Continuum –Develop and promote programs that recognize that a continuum of efforts that include recruitment, training, induction, and mentoring are necessary to successfully empower students to become engaging physics and physical science teacher

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young Program Components A long-term, active collaboration among the physics department, the department of education, and the local schools. A Teacher-in-Residence (TIR) program that provides for a local K-12 master teacher to become a full-time participant in assisting faculty in course revisions and team-teaching. Also, the TIR acts as a “reality check” for both preservice teachers and university faculty. The redesign of physics courses based on results from physics education research and utilizing appropriate interactive technologies. The redesign of elementary and secondary science methods courses with an emphasis on inquiry-based teaching and learning. The establishment of a mentoring program conducted by TIRs and other master teachers to provide a valuable induction experience for novice science teachers. The participation of physics faculty in the improvement and expansion of school experiences for their students.

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young The 2006 Conference on the Preparation of Physics and Physical Science Teachers will be held during March in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young The Schools Ball State University Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Towson University University of Arizona University of Arkansas at Fayetteville University of Colorado Boulder Western Michigan University Xavier University of Louisiana Oklahoma State University University of Texas at El Paso Seattle Pacific University

PhysTEC and the TIR: A Work in Progress S. Owen David A. Young For further information contact Theodore Hodapp Director of Education and Outreach American Physical Society One Physics Ellipse College Park, MD (301)

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