PhysTEC Teacher of the Year
The PhysTEC Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding high school physics educators who demonstrate the impact and value of physics teacher preparation programs. Each year, PhysTEC member institutions submit their recommendations to the selection committee, and one National Teacher of the Year and several local teachers of the year are selected.
PhysTEC National Teacher of the Year 2018: Tiffany Taylor
Tiffany Taylor of Heritage High School in Rogers, AR, was named the 2018 National PhysTEC Teacher of the Year. The selection committee noted her recruitment efforts and increase in enrollment of students in AP Physics 1 and 2, from only 26 students in her first year of teaching, to over 80 students in recent years. Tiffany places emphasis on using evidence-based teaching techniques such as Modeling Instruction, and helps students develop a growth mindset by using Standards Based Grading and regular formative assessment. Over 40% of her students are typically underrepresented groups in physics (including females and Hispanic populations), and she pays close attention to ensuring that all students feel welcome in her class. Tiffany is a leader in her field, and supports pre-service teachers from the University of Arkansas as they prepare for student teaching. She has also been recognized by the AP community and serves as an online professional development provider. As part of her award, she received funds to attend the 2018 AAPT Summer Meeting in Washington, DC, and the 2019 PhysTEC Conference in Boston, MA, where she received public recognition for her achievements. We are proud to recognize Tiffany and the local PhysTEC Teachers of the Year for their outstanding contributions to education.
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National Winners receive:
- A certificate of achievement
- A spotlight on our website and in press
- Speaking engagement at and travel funding to an upcoming national AAPT meeting and the next PhysTEC Conference
- Special recognition at the PhysTEC Conference
- $1,000 classroom materials grant
2018 Local Teachers of the Year
In addition to Taylor's selection as the National Teacher of the Year, we congratulate and thank the following Local Teachers of the Year, who strengthen the physics community by cultivating scientific curiosity in young minds.
- Christine Audo: University of Arkansas, Topeka High School
- Matthew Blackman: Rutgers University, Ridge High School
- Ricardo Farfan: Georgia State University, Berkmar High School
- Gary Forrester: University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, Hingham High School
- Justin Fournier: California State University, Long Beach, Cypress High School
- Bradley Gearhart: SUNY Buffalo State College, Hutchinson Central Technical High School
- Chris Martin: Virginia Tech, Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
- Adam Pullen: University of West Georgia, The Westminster Schools
- Timothy Vitale: Rowan University, Clearview Regional High School
- Cameron Vongsawad: Brigham Young University, Copper Hills High school
Local Winners receive:
- A certificate of achievement
- A spotlight on our website and in press
Teacher of the Year Selection Process
Important Dates
- Applications for National award Open: June 1, 2025
- Applications for National award Close: August 30, 2025
Eligibility
- Nominees for PhysTEC Teacher of the Year must be currently employed as an in-service teacher at the secondary level in the classroom at least half-time AND have at least three years of full-time employment as a classroom teacher at the secondary level by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
- Nominees may be awarded the local PhysTEC Teacher of the Year each year. The national award is conferred only once per individual.