PhysTEC Networks Request for Proposals (RFP) is open submissions through June 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the submitter's local time.
The objective of this request for proposals (PDF) is to support a second cohort of PhysTEC Networks. Networks are collaborations that work together to develop and implement strategies that advance the recruitment and preparation of highly qualified physics teachers in their communities. The total funding available is $208,000 for this RFP. Networks will receive funding for a two-year period (November 2026 - October 2028). For multi-institution collaborative Networks, each partner will need to submit their own application, though only one “lead applicant” will need to submit the full Network Description document.
In general, each organization in a Network can request up to $33,000. However, for collaborative applications that include both an institution(s) of higher education (IHE; e.g., two- or four-year institution) and a non-IHE organization(s) (e.g., high school), each organization can request up to $50,000.
Please email the PhysTEC team with any questions!
Eligibility
Eligible Organizations
Applicants must be eligible to receive funding from the National Science Foundation. Examples of eligible organizations include but are not limited to:
- Universities or four-year colleges that are located and accredited in the US
- Two-year colleges that are located and accredited in the US
- State and local US governments
- Tribal governments
- Nonprofit organizations
Please see the request for proposals for additional requirements.
Application Deadlines
Proposals are due by June 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. submitter’s local time. Late proposals will not be accepted. See the request for proposals for information on the format and review criteria. We intend to make award offers in August 2026 so that the networks’ funding support will begin on November 1, 2026.
Connect with Us
PhysTEC staff are dedicated to promoting physics teacher education, and we want to help you access funding and support to recruit and prepare more high school physics teachers in your area. We welcome all questions and consultation requests. Please contact the PhysTEC team for more information.
Current PhysTEC Awardees
PhysTEC has offered various grants to enable member institutions to establish and grow physics teacher education (PTE) programs and communities of physics teacher educators. We have also developed a new professional development initiative focused on invested faculty who are not quite ready to seek direct funding for their PTE programs.
Each of these opportunities has provided prestige, professional development, and tools and resources for institutions to develop thriving programs. They have also included travel support to participate in the annual PhysTEC Conference.
PhysTEC Networks
PhysTEC Networks are collaborations of 3 or more colleges, universities, two-year colleges, and/or K-12 schools and districts that are working together to advance physics teacher education programs that address the needs of their local communities.
Budget: Approximately $100,000 per Network over 2 years
See PhysTEC Network grant awardees
Capacity Building Grants
Capacity Building Grants were piloted as an invite-only program for HBCUs and MSIs to expand their physics teacher education efforts. Each institution developed and implemented a small scale individual project to address their specific needs.
Budget: $15,000 over 2 years
See Capacity Building Grant awardees
Past PhysTEC Awardees
PhysTEC has offered various grants to enable member institutions to establish and grow physics teacher education (PTE) programs and communities of physics teacher educators. We have also developed a new professional development initiative focused on invested faculty who are not quite ready to seek direct funding for their PTE programs.
Each of these opportunities has provided prestige, professional development, and tools and resources for institutions to develop thriving programs. They have also included travel support to participate in the annual PhysTEC Conference.
External Funding Opportunities
The National Science Foundation has several programs that can support preservice teachers or the programs that prepare them, including: