PhysTEC Local Impact Award

Local Impact Award Process

We are now accepting self-nominations for the 2026 PhysTEC Local Impact Award. Institutions may be recognized for achievements in one or more focus areas (see below). The nomination deadline is April 1, 2026.

Eligibility

• Open to PhysTEC member institutions or affiliates with demonstrated local engagement over at least 2–5 academic years.
• Applications may be submitted by anyone from an eligible organization. Eligible organizations must be eligible to receive funding from the National Science Foundation. Examples of eligible organizations include: post-secondary institution, school district, state, local or tribal government or nonprofit teacher organization.
• Institutions may submit self-nominations.

Award Focus Areas

Nominations will be evaluated based on impact in one or more of the following areas:

• Teacher Induction: Mentoring early-career physics teachers through sustained support and induction programs
• Professional Communities: Creating and maintaining active local or regional networks that foster ongoing teacher growth and collaboration
• Cross-Institutional Partnerships: Building partnerships among universities, school districts, and community organizations to improve physics teaching and learning
• Community Engagement: Hosting events, workshops, or outreach to excite educators and students about teaching physics
• Pathway Development: Supporting initiatives that enhance certification processes or create new pathways for future physics teachers

Award Components

• Formal recognition certificate presented at the PhysTEC Workshop or AAPT National Meeting
• Highlighted feature in PhysTEC communications and on the website
• Travel stipend to a PhysTEC Workshop

Previous Award Recipients

The PhysTEC Local Impact Award has recognized a diverse set of institutions demonstrating outstanding leadership in physics teacher preparation and local capacity building engagement in their local high school teaching community. Past recipients reflect a range of institutional types and approaches,but all share a sustained commitment to strengthening pathways into physics teaching and supporting educators at multiple career stages.

Across recipients, reviewers consistently highlighted programs that build strong partnerships, create sustainable teacher pipelines, and demonstrate meaningful local and regional impact.

2026 PhysTEC Local Impact Award recipients

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

WPI was recognized for a highly comprehensive and integrated approach to physics teacher education that spans recruitment, preparation, certification, and ongoing professional support. Reviewers noted the program’s strong partnerships, mentorship structures, curriculum integration, and professional community-building efforts. Particular strengths included sustained institutional commitment, innovative STEM showcase initiatives, and the development of teacher-in-residence opportunities. Overall, WPI exemplified a broad, well-coordinated system supporting future physics educators at multiple stages.

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook was recognized for its focused leadership in supporting science teacher leaders, particularly in the area of quantum science education. Reviewers highlighted the program’s sustained engagement with in-service and early-career teachers through mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities, and cross-institutional collaboration. The institution’s leadership in convening large-scale events, including the International Year of Quantum conference, demonstrated its ability to connect educators and district partners at regional and national levels.

Brigham Young University (BYU)

BYU was recognized for its long-standing and sustained commitment to physics teacher preparation, spanning more than two decades of continuous programming. Reviewers emphasized the program’s consistent engagement with both pre-service and in-service teachers through mentoring, workshops, and professional communities. Strengths included strong partnerships, induction and outreach efforts, and initiatives encouraging students to pursue physics teaching careers. The program demonstrated impact across local, statewide, and national levels.

University of Houston

The University of Houston was recognized for its extensive and highly active engagement in supporting physics and STEM educators across its region. Reviewers highlighted the strength of its New Teacher Academy as a particularly effective and replicable induction model for early-career teachers. Additional strengths included deep district partnerships, high annual participation, and sustained professional development offerings. The program demonstrated strong community responsiveness and broad impact across local and statewide networks.

What Unites Past Recipients

While each institution approaches physics teacher preparation differently, past awardees share several key characteristics:

• Strong, sustained partnerships among physics departments, education programs, and schools
• Long-term commitment rather than short-term or isolated initiatives
• Clear pathways that support teachers from preparation through early-career development
• Active professional learning communities and mentorship structures
• Demonstrated local and regional impact with potential for broader replication

These examples illustrate the diverse and effective strategies being used nationwide to strengthen the physics teaching workforce.