The American Physical Society and the American Association of Physic Teachers are cooperating to increase the number of qualified physics teachers via the Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) teacher preparation program. At each of the six participating PhysTEC institutions, program components include: (1) a close collaboration among science and education faculty and local school systems; (2) the utilization of a master teacher in residence; (3) the redesign of targeted introductory physics courses and science methods courses; and (4) an active mentoring and induction effort. These programs emphasize active engagement and inquiry-based instruction grounded in physics education research, and provide early teaching experiences for prospective teachers. Approximately thirty new physics teachers are expected to result from the five year project.
