Preparing Physics Teachers by Building Bridges Between High Schools and Colleges

Physics Education Research has made substantial advancements towards understanding how to offer best practices to ensure equity amongst all learners. However, this has not translated into an increased graduation rate of physics teachers within the United States. PhysTEC aims to address this crisis through granting the funds for universities to hire a Teacher-in-Residence. In this position, the Teacher-in-Residence has a goal of promoting the field of teaching and preparing prospective teachers through direct experience and fieldwork. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a bridge is being built between the university and local high schools through various pathways. One of these pathways is the creation of a science fair course, which is structured project-based learning. A partnership between WPI and Leominster High School affords WPI students the opportunity to engage in curriculum development, and for the high school students to become familiar with research-based approaches to problem solving. Aspirant teachers will not only become familiar with how to engage students throughout a lesson, but will also understand how to apply the elements of backward design to create effective curriculum. It is believed that this will create thoughtful and engaged physics teachers.