Teacher Preparation Section

Alma Robinson, Virginia Tech

Because new physics teachers can often feel isolated and unsupported, PhysTEC highlights new teacher induction and mentoring as one of its key components of successful physics teacher preparation programs. I hope this issue of the Teacher Preparation Section will help you reflect on your own mentoring practices and provide new ideas on how you can support your students and connect them to professional learning communities.

The Knowles Teaching Fellows Program supports new high school science and math teachers across the United States. Co-authors Andrew Wild and Katey Shirey became Knowles Teaching Fellows when they began teaching high school physics in 2006. Here, they reflect on the Knowles' scaffolded inquiry methods for improving instruction, growing community, and developing leadership skills as new teachers.

Brigham Young University is one of the most prolific physics teacher preparation programs in the nation. Despite their large numbers, they have been able to provide mentoring support to both their current students and their local alumni. Through highlighting one of their current students, Liz Finlayson, Duane Merrell describes how.

Disclaimer – The articles and opinion pieces found in this issue of the APS Forum on Education Newsletter are not peer refereed and represent solely the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the APS.