Paper Session I-D - The Physics Teaching Resource Agent Program - A Successful Nationwide Model that has Transformed the Learning and Teaching of Physics and Physical Science

Paper Session I-D - The Physics Teaching Resource Agent Program - A Successful Nationwide Model that has Transformed the Learning and Teaching of Physics and Physical Science

Holiday Inn, Manatee Room D

The way physics and physical science are learned and taught in the United States has been transformed by the American Association of Physics Teachers through grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF considers the Physics Teaching Resource Agent (PTRA) program to be one of the most exemplary and far-reaching programs that it has ever funded. Since 1985 the PTRA program has trained nearly 400 secondary physics teachers who each has then trained hundreds of other teachers of physics and physical science through workshops, inservices, tried-and-proven classroom and lab teaching materials, and personal support.

PTRAs receive training in physics content, pedagogy, access to the latest in lab and computer-based materials and opportunities to share successful teaching techniques with other physics teachers as well as access to an established network of material and funds support and assistance from other PTRAs.