Added Authorization for Physics: Helping Inservice Teachers Earn Meaningful Physics Certification

The local need for physics teachers is rising as more high schools require a third year of science (for NGSS - all standards, all students) and nearby districts shift to a Physics First model. Teachers in California can earn additional authorizations by passing a state test but that doesn’t ensure conceptual understanding or appropriate pedagogy for physics. California State University, Long Beach developed and offered a series of physics courses that meet the state’s content requirements but ensure that the learners have some true understanding of the concepts, laboratory experiences and pedagogy associated with the topics. The courses were collaboratively designed and taught by past and current PhysTEC Teacher-In-Residence teachers, and were endorsed by the Physics Department. The series of courses were offered in the evenings so that practicing teachers could participate. Courses were partially underwritten by the CSU Math/Science Teacher Initiative to minimize costs for the participating teachers. Two cohorts were offered to 42 teachers. Thirty teachers satisfactorily completed all four courses and became eligible to file for their physics authorizations.