Helping Physics Teachers Teach

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the AAPT Physics Teaching Resource Agents (PTRA) aim to improve the teaching and learning of physics and physical science for all teachers and students in the United States. The PTRA program provides professional development on physics content, teaching techniques based on research in physics education, and integration of technology into curriculum. The program maintains a nationwide cadre of more than 150 accomplished high school teacher-leaders who are trained and continually involved in professional development. These teacher-leaders are certified as PTRAs by AAPT to lead workshops throughout the country.

Working with PTRA teacher-leaders and AAPT staff, Simon is designing and revising resources for AAPT’s high school teacher professional development programs. Simon is supporting the Physics Teaching Resource Agents (PTRAs) as they develop and test activities associated with heliophysics topics in coordination with NASA-Goddard. He is also support eMentoring and online learning by assisting with pairings of mentors and mentees, program evaluation, arranging for a webinar series, and streamlining online resources.