Workshop W3

Cracker Barrel Discussion: "Preparation of Illinois High School Physics Teachers"

Discussion Leader:  Carl J. Wenning, Illinois State University

Sponsored by the ISAAPT Ad Hoc Committee for the Recruitment, Preparation, and
Retention of High School Physics Teachers

ISAAPT's work of recruiting the next generation of high school physics teachers is well under way. Now, the attention of the Section's Ad Hoc Committee for the Recruitment, Preparation, and Retention of High School Physics Teachers will turn to the next component of its mandate - improving the preparation of physics teacher candidates in Illinois. Join the Committee as it begins to develop recommendations for improvement of physics teacher preparation practices statewide.  Here is a tentative agenda for this workshop.

Updates
● Update on work of Ad Hoc Committee
● Distribution of examples of printed student brochures and teacher booklets
● Note - there will be a talk about "Recruiting the Next Generation of High School Physics Teachers" on Saturday morning
● CSAAPT wants to contribute to our future Ad Hoc Committee efforts
● ISBE (Gwen Pollock) wants to form a cooperative group among all science teacher organizations

Discussion
● Procedures for disseminating brochures and booklets (ideas for the Executive Council)
● Future Ad Hoc Committee efforts: Better preparation of high school science teachers
  ○ How might we assess the current state of affairs with regard to physics teacher preparation in Illinois?
  ○ How can we improve existing physics teacher preparation across Illinois based on working assumptions?
  ○ Should we work with targeted universities to improve physics teacher preparation using existing programs of quality as a guide?
  ○ If yes, how do we identify them?
  ○ In the mean time, should we channel teacher candidates to specific universities with existing programs of quality?
  ○ If yes, on what basis do we decide on promoting these universities? Possible criteria:
  1.  A teaching program within a science major
  2.  Multiple science teaching methods courses
  3.  Science methods courses taught by science faculty
  4.  Full state and national program accreditation
  5.  A dedicated program coordinator and/or advisor
  6.  A science faculty actively involved in teacher preparation
  ○ Should ISAAPT/CSAAPT co-sponsor and develop a physics teacher educator network?
● Expanding membership of Ad Hoc Committee: Volunteers?
● Should the Ad Hoc Committee become a standing committee under the ISAAPT Executive Council? Recommendations? Thoughts?

Return