Building Effective Networks for Teacher Education

Physics teacher recruitment, education, and retention may be improved through more robust and effective networks of teacher educators and stakeholders. The PhysTEC Regional Network of Southeast New York is an alliance of college, university, and secondary physics educators; the organization was formed to collectively improve physics teacher preparation, increase teacher recruitment and retention, and advance precollege physics teaching, learning, and participation. PhysTEC New York is now in its third year and the network has grown to over 50 participants. This presentation and interactive workshop will share the network's strategies and address three important aspects of physics teacher education networks: (1) identifying physics teachers, teacher educators, and professional societies with mutual goals and a shared mission; (2) examining teacher, student, and school-level data to identify target areas for change; and (3) proposing research-driven policy recommendations for state-level reforms. Participants will analyze publicly available state-level and national data sets to develop strategies for improving student outcomes through improved physics teacher education. Discussion will involve modifying physics education solutions for specific state contexts.