Moving Towards Equity and Inclusion in Physics Classrooms

For several years there has been many discussions, research, and interventions to bring equity into physics classrooms. While great strides have been taken towards this, we are still struggling with implementing the right mechanisms. In this panel we will discuss and reflect on how we bring equity into physics teacher preparation and support teachers to implement those principles and mechanisms into their classrooms. PhysTEC has been working with universities and colleges for decades on improving physics teacher recruitment and preparation. While STEP UP is empowering and supporting teachers to bring cultural change in their classrooms to inspire more women to pursue careers in physics. Through a PhysTEC-STEP UP partnership we seek to build sustainability by building a community that starts from leveraging undergraduate students and helping them feel supported and establishing a University-centric model with regional schools that recruit students from their local community and the University continue to house teacher communities that work closely with local schools. Increasing impact that can be measured through both districts and the university’ data.